Plantidote of the Day 2011-06-09

Plumbago auriculata or Plumbago capensis

Cape plumbago

An evergreen shrub that grows almost as a weed here in Zone 10, cape plumbago is a determined climber that covers walls and fences with flowers for months at a time. Flower colors range from a deep periwinkle blue to pure white. The color seems to be affected by how much exposure the plant has to sun. The one above is in semi-shade, so it's more blue than a white one nearby that gets more sunlight.

Plumbago is very easy to grow in Zones 8 through 11, as long as it has good draining soil. Go easy on the water and fertilizer -- plumbago doesn't require much once it's established. The biggest downside is that all parts of this plant are poisonous.

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