BOTANICAL NAME:  Plumbago auriculata (plum-BAY-go, ah-RICK-you-la-tah) 

                 

HABIT:  Sprawling, fast-growing perennial. Blue phlox-like flowers spring to frost. Dies to ground in fall but returns in spring.  Grows well in sun or part shade. Height 3 -4 feet.  Spread 5 -6 feet.  Spacing 2 -3 feet.

                  

CULTURE:  Likes well prepared beds but is drought tolerant. It can be a bit rambling if not pruned; prune spent flowers to encourage re–blooming and to maintain desired plant shape

 

USES:  Summer flowers, stone walls, natural settings.

 

PROBLEMS:  Few if any. Even deer resistant.

 

NOTES:  P. auriculata ‘Alba’ has white flowers.