Blue Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), commonly called Cape Leadwort, is a beautiful, fast-growing evergreen shrub celebrated for its profusion of sky-blue flowers and its sprawling, soft-textured form. Native to South Africa, this sun-loving plant thrives in warm climates and brings a relaxed, cottage-garden feel to landscapes with its airy structure and long blooming season.

Typically growing 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, Blue Plumbago can be shaped as a rounded shrub or allowed to sprawl as a loose, cascading groundcover or climber with support. Its slender, arching stems are lined with light green, oval leaves that provide a soft backdrop to the main attraction—its delicate, phlox-like flowers in shades of pale to vivid blue. These blooms appear in large clusters and are produced nearly year-round in frost-free areas, peaking from spring through fall.

One of Blue Plumbago’s standout qualities is its exceptional blooming power. It produces masses of flowers continuously with minimal care, attracting pollinators such as butterflies and bees. The color of the blooms—ranging from soft powder blue to deeper periwinkle—pairs beautifully with other flowering plants, making it a favorite in mixed borders and Mediterranean-style gardens.

This plant thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, though it can tolerate partial shade. It’s heat- and drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and low-maintenance landscapes. Blue Plumbago performs best in USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11 and can be grown as an annual or container plant in cooler climates, where it can be overwintered indoors.

Versatile in the landscape, Blue Plumbago can be used as a flowering hedge, a bank or slope cover for erosion control, or a soft filler in large mixed beds. With some training, it can even be grown on trellises or fences as a loose vine. It also works well in large containers where it can spill over the edges, softening hardscape areas like patios and walkways.

Maintenance is relatively easy—light pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages further blooming. It responds well to regular trimming, which can be used to keep it tidy or to train it to grow in a specific form. While not prone to many pests, it may occasionally attract whiteflies or aphids, which are easily managed with horticultural oils or insecticidal soap.

Overall, Blue Plumbago is a versatile, low-maintenance flowering shrub that adds a dreamy splash of blue to gardens throughout much of the year. Its soft foliage, prolific blooms, and adaptability make it a beloved choice for gardeners looking to bring color, texture, and pollinator appeal to their outdoor spaces.