"Cape leadwort looks pretty with light blue flowers on long stems, but it's a toxic plant. Nearly every part – the stalk, pollen, bark and fruits are toxic if you eat them or even touch them. You will get contact dermatitis that can even cause blisters.

Tips from Garden Coaches

Cape leadwort is an evergreen shrubby plant. With beautiful blooms, toughness and capacity of scrambling, it is widely appreciated and used in public and private gardens.
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Poems


Though not like her, with spear and helm of brass;
My spear, a pencil of Queensland plumbago;
My casque, a felt one-latest from Otago.
— James Brunton Stephen
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Name Story

Cape leadwort
The name, leadwort is related to its genus name, Plumbago which is derived from plumbum, meaning lead. As this plant has a detoxifying utility to lead poisoning and it is also originated from South Africa, it is called cape leadwort.

Interesting Facts

According to legend, in ancient times, a soldier and a princess fell in love with each other, and the soldier had to go off to fight in a war. With the cruelty of the war, the soldier never came back. The princess who lost her love chose to commit suicide, and a patch of cape leadwort blossomed in the place where she died.

Symbolism

hope, good wishes

Uses

Garden Use
Cape leadwort can be used as flowerbeds and border shrubs. Commonly used as a shrub or groundcover plant, it is prized for its blue flowers. It can also be trained to climb a trellis. A good fit for Mediterranean gardens, it is often planted with Imperial Delight, whose showy blooms make a good visual complement.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub

Lifespan
Perennial

Bloom Time
Summer, autumn

Plant Height
60 cm to 1.2 m
Spread
50 cm to 80 cm
Flower Size
3 cm
Habitat
Bushes, Thickets
Flower Color
WhitePurpleBlue
Leaf Color
Green
Fruit Color
Brown
Stem Color
Green


Conditions Requirement


Difficulty Rating
Cape leadwort is super easy to take care of, with resistance to almost all pests and diseases. It is a perfect option for gardeners with brown thumbs.


Sunlight
Full sun

Care Guide


Water
Well suited to well-drained soils, the cape leadwort does best in soils that are kept evenly moist. However, it is also tolerant of drought. The cape leadwort should only be watered occasionally in winter.


Fertilization
Fertilization once every 2-3 months during the growing season.


Pruning
Deadhead (or remove) withered flowers after flowering.


Planting Time
Spring, summer


Propagation
Sowing, Cutting


Potting Suggestions
Needs excellent drainage in pots."