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 |
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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 |