Plumbago scandens (Doctorbush)

Plumbago scandens (Doctorbush) is an evergreen loosely sprawling shrub adorned with clusters of pure white, sometimes pink-tinged, tubular flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), over a long season. Blooming year-round, with a short break during the hottest days of summer, the blossoms are particularly attractive to butterflies. They contrast nicely against the foliage of oblong leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm).

Plumbago scandens (Doctorbush) is an evergreen loosely sprawling shrub adorned with clusters of pure white, sometimes pink-tinged, tubular flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), over a long season. Blooming year-round, with a short break during the hottest days of summer, the blossoms are particularly attractive to butterflies. They contrast nicely against the foliage of oblong leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm). Emerging deep red, the leaves mature to deep green, before turning red in late fall and winter. Doctorbush can be grown as an attractive groundcover, in mixed borders or to spill over the edges of containers or hanging baskets.

  • Grows up to 4 ft. tall and wide (120 cm).
  • Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Filtered or partial shade is preferred in hot summer areas. Though exceptionally drought tolerant, watering during dry periods will promote a lush foliage and more flowers.
  • Great for beds and borders, containers, Mediterranean gardens.
  • Prune to control size and encourage the growth of colorful new foliage.
  • Native from Florida to Arizona, south to Central America.

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 11

Climate Zones 12, 13, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Plumbago
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 48″ (120cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Florida, Southwest, Arizona, Texas
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden