Plumbago undulata Plant Care

Plumbago undulata (Plumbago undulata) belongs to the Plumbaginaceae family within the Plumbago genus. Plumbago undulata is native to the Mediterranean Basin and Central Asia.

Plumbago undulata displays a spreading, mounding shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Plumbago undulata produces clusters of small, tubular flowers in shades of blue, white, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Plumbago undulata every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Plumbago undulata thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Plumbago undulata tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Plumbago undulata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Plumbago undulata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Plumbago undulata every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Plumbago undulata is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Plumbago undulata can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Plumbago undulata while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Plumbago undulata is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Plumbago undulata can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds.

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Plumbago undulata is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Plumbago undulata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Plumbago undulata is native to the Mediterranean Basin and Central Asia. In cooler regions, grow Plumbago undulata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.