
Plumbago auriculata
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 15.
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.
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
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.

Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Plumbago is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with medium salt tolerance, reaching 4-10 feet × 6-10 feet.
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.