Plumbago auriculata

Blue plumbago, Cape plumbago or Cape leadwort

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One of the prettiest indigenous shrubs we have in South Africa which carries masses of powder-blue, phlox-like flowers and plenty of good characteristics.

It has many uses: the perfect hedge plant that can be trimmed to make it formal or left to ramble; it can be a scrambling ground cover or perfect in a pot. You might even find some trimmed into lollipops and it attracts many insects, butterflies and birds to the garden. It can handle full sun or light shade – in too shady areas it will grow up trees to seek the light. It requires loads of water when establishing but after that can be left to its own devices only needed fertilizer to keep it lush and flowering well.