Plumbago or the scientific name, Ceratostigma plumbaginoides are one of those groundcovers that will not overtake your landscapes like ivy, vinca or lamium. Plumbago grows in zones 5 through 9 having some pretty unique properties.
Sure, you might be thinking, so what, what’s the big deal with this groundcover plant.
ahhhh beautiful!! These tiny blue flowers cover the plumbago plant in summer and fall. So when you are throwing your Harvest Festivities in the autumn, make sure plumbago is planted close by in the front of your perennial borders.
Not only are the flowers a wonderful addition to a fall garden, the foliage turns bronzy-red for additional color.
This groundcover perennial will not overtake your garden and stays in a neat mound 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Plant fall blooming yellow mums, asters or goldenrod just behind them to achieve such a dramatic display for your holiday party. You could also play on the medium texture of plumbago and plant fine textured muhly grass in the background. Muhly grass is light pink and when combined with the bronzy-red foliage of plumbago it will create a harmonious color scheme. One step further, plant “VooDoo” sedum in front of the plumbago for a very warm display, wow!!! “VooDoo” is the burgundy colored plant in the strawberry jar.
The flower color is a very intense blue and no bigger than 1/2 inch across. I would recommend this plant for a young boy or baby’s memory garden. This is an easy plant to grow, no insect of disease problems and thrives in full sun or part shade.
If you have a black thumb, try plumbago.
Happy Planting! www.dianadigsdirt.com
Diana Gardner-Williams
Landscape Design and Installation
Joel Gillespie
June 27, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Is Pachysandra a non invasive?
diana gardner-williams
June 28, 2008 at 12:37 am
Hi Joel,
Since you are a fellow Greensboronian, we can plant Pachysandra in full to part shade without worrying about the plant taking over our landscapes. I really do love it because it provides a nice uniform and manicured look without having to fuss.
Try the variety Allegheny for a slower mover. This plant is a great substitute for the typical vinca planted beneath trees. This plant tolerates full shade that many of us have.
Nice to meet you -virtually Joel
Happy Planting!!
Diana
Pergola and arbors
July 8, 2008 at 6:15 am
That was a great response Diana and it answered a question I had!
sandrar
September 10, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.