How do I keep plants blooming in the heat of summer? Which plants should I select for color variety? If you are a fan of beautiful blue blooms during the summer, plumbago is the plant for you.
Plumbago (plumbago auriculata) is an adapted plant for Texas. It has its origins in South Africa. It is classified as a Texas Superstar (see http://www.steemit.com/@shohagahmed which means that it has been tested for Texas conditions by Texas A&M and has found to perform well for Texas gardeners.
This easy to care for beauty blooms non-stop profusely during the summer till first frost in a lovely shade of sky blue. In fact, it is sometimes called skyflower. Its cool shade of blue tends to give a refreshing vision to the landscape. Butterflies love its phlox-like blooms. Blooms may also be white, but this variety does not produce the prolific blooms as the blue variety does.
Plumbago, also called cape plumbago or cape leadwort, is a perennial that grows three to four feet tall and four to six feet wide. When planting plumbago it is important consider its potential growth. It does well in full sun or partial shade. It can be cut back to control its growth. In fact, it will bloom more profusely after a “haircut” to remove spent blooms because it flowers on new wood or new growth. I have had success with growing plumbago in shade, however in my experience, it does not reach its growth potential nor does it bloom as profusely as when planted in sun or partial shade.
It is easy to care for with medium to low water requirements. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil, but will also grow in slightly acidic, slightly alkaline, clay, sand or loam (www.steemit.com/@shohagahmed). It can also be planted in a large container. When planted, be sure to water it regularly and fertilize it each spring.
Another advantage of plumbago is that it is described as deer resistant. It also attracts hummingbirds. Also, plumbago is relatively disease free. Once established, it is drought tolerant, but still needs a drink from time to time, especially in the heat of summer.
I cannot say enough about the pleasantly refreshing view of a landscape with plumbago integrated in the design. It brings an oasis to the eye in the heat of the summer. A landscape with plumbago will be the envy of the neighborhood.
