Ceylon Leadwort (Plumbago zeylanica)

Ceylon Leadwort

Plumbago zeylanica

Its pale blue blooms trail softly like summer mist. Evergreen perennial shrub; common name: wild leadwort.

Full sun
1–2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Thrives in full sun to partial shade; requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Prefers warm, subtropical temperatures; protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Simple elliptical to oblong leaves; glossy medium green, 5–10 cm long with smooth margins
  • Flower: Dense terminal clusters of pale blue, tubular five-petaled blooms; lightly fragrant in warm conditions
  • Stem: Slender, flexible woody stems that trail along ground or climb with support
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 before applying to soil to avoid root burn
Pruning
  • Prune back leggy stems in early spring to encourage bushier growth
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering throughout the growing season
  • Trim overgrown branches to maintain desired shape and prevent overcrowding
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains plumbagin which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential liver damage

Humans: Contains plumbagin; ingestion causes oral irritation, nausea, and mild gastrointestinal distress

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden plant; traditional medicinal uses (not recommended for consumption due to toxicity)