Plumbago auriculata (capeisis) or Cape Plumbago originated in South Africa. It is a sprawling shrub and is best kept down to 1ft-2 ft in height as hedging along a driveway, or as a low border for taller plants.
It has pale blue or white flowers and grows outdoors in full sun, although it can also grow in semi-shade too.
In late 2000 a new blue variety was added. I first saw these magnificent blues on a visit to Barbados, and then I saw them in Miami. They were the most brilliant blue flowers you could think of. First I thought it was perhaps the type of soil the shrub was planted in, but when I enquired further, I learnt that it was indeed a new variety.
Here in Guyana you can see this rich, dark, brilliant blue variety quickly replacing the old variety.
Trim plants approximately every 2 weeks and fertilize with Miracle Gro Bloom Booster. They will bloom profusely.
Water them daily.
They can be propagated by softwood cuttings or you can purchase small plants which are available on the market.
NB: With the type of weather we are currently experiencing, plants and lawns needs extra drinks of water. Please do not allow them to dry out!
Until next week, Happy Gardening!
