Plumbago auriculata - Cape Plumbago

Plumbago auriculata will grow to 15 feet or more in a vigorous and enthusiastic mound. In spite of this vigor Cape Plumbago does have its uses in the garden. Since Plumbago auriculata requires so little additional water or help Cape Plumbago is a great plant to hide the house next door. The plant sends runners underground. So Plumbago auriculata is best planted in a bed where there are no escape routes. Cape Plumbago grows great in full sun or even dark shade. There just aren't so many flowers when Cape Plumbago is grown in the shade. Plumbago auriculata will have very few flowers if it is trimmed back since the flowers appear at the tips of the growing branches. The blue flowers are sticky and tend to attach themselves to pets and kids, so don't plant them next to pathways unless this is OK. My kids loved to attach the flowers of the Cape Plumbago to themselves. I do use Plumbago auriculata regularly but with a good deal of caution about its position in the landscape due to the Cape Plumbago's enthusiastic and often invasive nature.