Plumbago

Growth Potential

Height: 3–6 ft tall

Width: 4–8 ft wide at maturity.

Growth rate is fast — can put on 2–3 ft per season in ideal conditions. Has a loose, arching, sprawling habit that softens borders and fences beautifully.

A Butterfly Favorite

Plumbago is a fast-growing, semi-evergreen shrub prized for its nonstop display of sky-blue flowers from spring through fall. Its airy, sprawling form and heat-loving nature make it one of the best long-blooming shrubs for hot Texas landscapes — and a magnet for butterflies, particularly swallowtails.

Best Area to Plant

Large borders and back-of-bed placement:

Plumbago’s fast, sprawling growth fills space quickly and works best where it has room to spread. Plant it at the back of mixed borders where it can billow out without crowding smaller plants.

Fence lines and slopes:

Its arching habit makes it excellent for softening fence lines, retaining walls, or sloped areas where erosion control and color are both needed.

Care Instructions

  • Light:

    Full sun for best flowering. Tolerates partial shade but bloom production drops significantly.

  • Water:

    Moderate. Water regularly until established, then drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering — good drainage is essential.

  • Maintenance:

    Cut back hard in late winter (to about 12 in) to encourage vigorous new growth and heavy blooming. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. No serious pest or disease issues.

  • Soil:

    best in well-drained loamy, sandy, or amended clay soils and adapts well to the alkaline conditions common throughout North Texas.