Plumbago
Plumbago auriculata
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Sep 16, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Plumbago
Cape plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) is a fast-growing, sprawling evergreen shrub from South Africa, prized in Northeast Florida for its nearly year-round display of sky-blue flowers. Drought-tolerant, heat-loving, and butterfly-friendly, it excels as a flowering hedge, bank cover, or cascading accent; prune hard in late winter to keep it tidy and flowering abundantly. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Blue
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Plant in full sun for maximum flowering; tolerates partial shade but blooms significantly less in reduced light. Full sun is strongly preferred for Northeast Florida's year-round growing conditions.
Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during the first season to establish roots. Reduce irrigation for established plants — overwatering is a common cause of decline. Prune hard in late winter (March) to rejuvenate and promote vigorous flowering.
Grows in any well-drained soil; tolerates poor, sandy soils common in Northeast Florida. Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer in spring; avoid high-phosphorus blends. May experience micronutrient yellowing in high-pH soils — adjust with sulfur if needed.
Similar needs
Golden Dewdrop
Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Ligustrum
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African Iris
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Pineapple Guava
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Beautyberry
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Butterfly Bush
Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Plumbago a good plant for St. Augustine?
Plumbago is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with medium salt tolerance, reaching 4-10 feet × 6-10 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.