This spring, I set out on a mission to seek out the final word flowering plant—one which thrives with a “set it and overlook it” strategy (assume: heat-tolerant, loves the solar, and requires little water). After an informal chat with co-workers about what we would be planting for the summer season and doing my very own analysis, I discovered my reply. Enter the Cape plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), an enthralling, deer-resistant low-maintenance shrub hailing from South Africa.
With its delicate clusters of blue flowers that pollinators adore, this versatile magnificence could be planted as a rambling shrub, a climbing vine or perhaps a statement-making potted plant. This easy front porch plant thrives in zones 8-11, however may even tolerate temps that dip between 20-25°F within the winter. Principally, plumbago is a match made for this lazy gardener.
Learn how to Take care of Plumbago
After searching my native garden shop, I bought two one-gallon containers, 4 pint-sized containers, and a high-quality potting mix. First, I eliminated any remnant of final yr’s plantings together with a number of the outdated soil from every pot earlier than mixing within the new potting combine rather less than half-way full. I rigorously loosened the roots and positioned the crops right into a crater that was twice as vast and deep as the foundation ball.
Subsequent, I gently backfilled with extra of the brand new potting combine and packed it across the base of the crops. Avoiding direct contact with the stem, I sprinkled a balanced slow-release fertilizer alongside the bottom of the crops and wished them effectively.
I really like how wild and unruly these giant planters of Cape plumbago at The Birmingham Botanical Gardens are!
It has been just a few weeks since I planted my plumbago, and the crops are producing new blooms nearly every day and beginning to shoot upwards and spill over a number of the containers’ sides. As a result of regular quantity of rain we have had the place I reside, I’ve solely needed to drag out my gardening hose as soon as (sometimes, it is best to water plumbago one to 2 occasions per week primarily based on how dry your soil is on the prime).
I am going to watch all through the summer season to see if it wants just a few extra rounds of fertilizer and somewhat pruning to encourage extra progress. Time will inform if my potted plumbago will yield a plethora of blooms effectively into the autumn and develop to its potential measurement of no less than 6 ft tall, however I am inspired that this low-maintenance flowering plant stays the fitting selection for my entrance door containers.
My Starter Package for Planting Plumbago
Palermo Planters
Royal Cape® Plumbago
Now 29% Off
Lavender Cotton Gloves
Martha Stewart 4-Piece Trowel & Cultivator Planting Set
Now 18% Off
Flexzilla Colours Backyard Hose
Willow Backyard Obelisk
Julia Ludlam is the Affiliate Artwork Director at _Country Dwelling.
