textAdminOnlyNameForClipboard
Plumbago
Plumbago auriculata
SA tree number
English: Plumbago, Cape Leadwort, Sky flower, Cape Plumbago, Blue Plumbago, Leadwort
Afrikaans: Bloublomplumbago, Klimoploodbloms, Loodbos, Syselbos
Xhosa: Umabophe, Umpenduli
Zulu: Umashona, Umtswazi, Uzimane
Synonyms: Plumbago capensis
Plumbago auriculata, commonly known as Cape Leadwort or Bloublomplumbago, is a fast-growing, scrambling shrub that can grow as a dense bush or climb with support. It is widely recognised for its abundant clusters of delicate sky-blue flowers and its slightly sticky texture.
Have you got a better picture?
If you don't mind us using it, please upload it by clicking the Upload button below (you must be logged in to do this)
Distinguishing features:
Produces profuse clusters of beautiful, sky-blue, phlox-like flowers.
Stems are long and straggly, allowing it to scramble or climb.
Leaves are bright green, simple, and borne alternately.
The calyx (outer part of the flower) is covered in sticky, glandular hairs.
Overall appearance:
A fast-growing, scrambling shrub that can form a dense bush up to 3 metres high or climb up to 6 metres high if given support. It has long, straggly, multi-stemmed branches.
Height:
Up to 3 m (as a shrub); up to 6 m (as a climber with support).
Width:
Can spread widely, covering several metres.
Leaves:
Leaves are simple, oval to oblong, and borne alternately along the stems.
They are bright green, thin-textured, and measure 25 mm to 50 mm long.
The apex (tip) is often pointed (acute) or sometimes rounded.
The base tapers down the petiole (leaf stalk), which is short or almost absent.
There are small, ear-like lobes (auricles) at the base of the leaf blade where it joins the stem, which give the plant its species name auriculata.
The leaves are often covered in fine, white, powdery scales, giving them a slightly frosted appearance.
When crushed, the leaves have a slight, pleasant aroma.
Flowers:
Flowers are abundant and borne in large, loose clusters (racemes or panicles) at the ends of branches or in leaf axils.
Each individual flower is phlox-like, consisting of a slender, sticky tube (corolla tube) about 25 mm to 30 mm long, flaring into five petal-like lobes.
The lobes are distinct and oval-shaped.
The colour is typically a clear sky-blue, but white-flowered forms also exist (e.g., 'Alba').
The calyx (the green cup-like structure enclosing the base of the petals) is covered in distinctive sticky, glandular hairs, which help to catch insects.
There are 5 stamens (male parts) that are fused to the corolla tube and typically protrude.
The ovary (female part) is superior.
Flowering season:
Peak flowering is from spring to autumn (October to May in South Africa), but it can flower almost continuously throughout the year, especially in warmer climates or with sufficient water.
Fruits:
The fruit is a small, oblong capsule, approximately 10 mm long, enclosed within the persistent, sticky calyx.
It is covered in glandular hairs, which aid in dispersal by clinging to passing animals.
It splits open when mature to release the single seed.
Seeds:
Small, oblong, and contained within the capsule.
Dispersed when the capsule opens and by adhering to animals via the sticky calyx.
Stems:
Long, slender, and straggly.
Initially green and pliable, becoming woody with age.
Can scramble through other vegetation or climb with support.
Soil type:
Tolerates a wide range of soil types, but prefers well-drained loamy soils. It is adaptable and can grow in sandy or clayey soils.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Flowers best in full sun.
Uses:
Horticultural: Widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens worldwide due to its attractive flowers and extended flowering period. It is used as a scrambling shrub, a clipped hedge, a climber for fences or trellises, or as a groundcover.
Traditional medicine: Used in traditional medicine for various ailments. The roots are used to treat headaches, fever, and intestinal worms. Leaves are sometimes used for skin complaints.
Security: Can be planted as an informal hedge or barrier due to its dense, sprawling growth.
Ecology:
Pollination: The flowers are pollinated by butterflies and other long-tongued insects, which are attracted to the nectar at the base of the long corolla tube.
Dispersal: The sticky calyces of the fruits cling to animal fur or feathers, aiding in seed dispersal.
Attracts wildlife: The plant provides shelter and nesting sites for birds.
Distribution and habitat:
Indigenous to Southern Africa, particularly widespread in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa.
It is also found naturally in other parts of Southern Africa, including Swaziland (Eswatini), Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Typically found growing on rocky outcrops, in bushveld, along forest margins, and in riverine thickets. It often scrambles over other shrubs and rocks.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Plumbago is derived from the Latin word 'plumbum', meaning 'lead'. This name may refer to a historical belief that the plant could cure lead poisoning, or it might relate to the lead-grey colour of the sap or a bluish-grey discolouration sometimes caused by contact with the plant on skin.
The species name auriculata is Latin, meaning 'with ears' or 'eared', referring to the small ear-like lobes (auricles) at the base of the leaf blade where it joins the stem.
Interesting facts:
Ever wondered why it's called 'Leadwort'? Well, it's not because it contains lead! One theory suggests it was once thought to cure lead poisoning, while another points to a potential lead-grey stain on skin if you handle it.
The little sticky hairs on the flower calyx are super clever – they act like tiny velcro hooks, helping the seeds hitch a ride on animals for dispersal!
This plant is a true flower power champion, often blooming almost all year round in warm climates, turning gardens into a sea of beautiful blue!
Growing tips:
Plumbago auriculata is a very hardy and adaptable plant that is easy to grow.
It thrives in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade.
It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry periods, especially during flowering.
It tolerates a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained loamy soil.
It can be pruned heavily to maintain shape, size, or encourage new growth and flowering. It responds well to regular trimming.
Propagation is easy from cuttings (semi-hardwood cuttings taken in spring or summer root readily) or from seed.
It is relatively pest and disease resistant.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Plant family (derivation)