Family
Plumbaginaceae
Botanical Name
PLUMBAGO auriculata 'Monite'( WHITE CAPE®, CAPE® SERIES) PP13953
Plant Common Name
Cape Leadwort, White Cape® Plumbago
General Description
Attractive, long-blooming, white flowers and a compact habit are the hallmarks of White Cape cape leadwort or Plumbago auriculata ‘Monite’ from Monrovia Nurseries. It is an evergreen shrub to woody vine that is native to South Africa and has green, oval to spatula-shaped leaves with small ear-like (auricle = ear-shaped appendage) projections at the base. The leaves are alternate on thin, gracefully arching stems. Cape leadwort blooms year round, except in coldest winters, bearing many five-petaled tubular white blooms in round clusters at the ends of the branches. The flower bases and seed capsules are covered with sticky, gland tipped hairs and often hitch a ride with humans or pets. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and do not require deadheading.
Cape leadwort thrives in full to partial sun and prefers light, sandy, slightly acidic soils with good drainage. It can be pruned into a compact mounded shrub or allowed to freely sprawl, vine and trail. However, harsh pruning shortens the plant’s lifespan and contributes to brown, stick-like growth and looks best when the branches have enough room to exhibit their cascading nature.
Plumbago is a lovely shrub that is freeze sensitive and may be damaged by a few degrees of frost. Grow it in cooler regions in containers which can be protected from cold or outdoors as a tender perennial in mixed borders. Use leadwort in warmer regions in groups for foundation plantings, cascading over walls, embankments and slopes, in hedges and as a filler plant.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
4'-8' / 1.2m - 2.4m
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Width
4'-8' / 1.2m - 2.4m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
South Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Arching/Fountain-shaped
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Olive
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hanging Basket, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
