Native Wild Plumbago

Floridians are quite familiar with plumbago bushes; their light blue flowers fill medians and gardens around the state. These bushes are Plumbago auriculata, and are native to South Africa. Florida has its own native plumbago species, though, and while it’s not as showy it certainly deserves more attention. We planted some this spring in the Butterfly Garden alongside some other native plants, and are pleased with how well it has established.

What’s in a name? Plumbago scandens is also known as Wild Plumbago, Florida Plumbago, and Doctorbush. The species name “scandens” refers to the sprawling growth habit of the plant. (“Plumbago”, incidentally, means “lead-colored”, giving rise to the common name Leadwort for all plumbago species.) Unlike its more ornamental cousin, Wild Plumbago grows only about 12 inches high or so, and spreads long stems throughout the landscape, making for good groundcover (although not in areas that will receive foot traffic).

Where should I grow it? Wild Plumbago is a warm-climate plant, and is generally reported as being grown in Florida, Texas, and Arizona. It is frost-sensitive, and may die back in a freeze, but should return from the roots in Central Florida. If planted in a protected area, it will remain green all year long and may flower at any time. It prefers some shade and the foliage may yellow if it receives too much sun. Although considered drought-tolerant, it will do a little better if it receives some consistent moisture, especially during the drier months. It’s perfect in the understory beneath trees and shrubs, where leaf-litter provides natural mulch to hold moisture in the soil and foliage overhead protects it from the sun.

Why should I grow it? Like its showier cousin, Wild Plumbago is a host plant for tiny Ceranus Blue caterpillars, and its flowers are mainly pollinated by butterflies. As a native plant, it deserves a place in the Florida butterfly garden, as well as any native or wildflower garden. The difficult task may be finding it; Wild Plumbago is not commonly cultivated and sold, even by native plant nurseries. If you can find some in a friend’s garden, try propagating from cuttings.

Safety Concerns? As indicated by the common name “Doctorbush”, there are some medicinal properties associated with the plant (it was apparently used in the past to treat baldness, among other maladies), and a good deal of medical research is currently underway. However, it’s important to note that all plumbago species are poisonous to humans if ingested, and contact with the plant may cause skin rashes. Take caution when using this plant in the garden.