Native Plants

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Monday - June 15, 2009

From: Buies Creek, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Why will my Plumbago not bloom in Buies Creek NC?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

I purchased a plumbago about two weeks ago with w few old blooms. I pinched them off, and my plant has not bloomed since. I understand they bloom profusely, and have witnessed it myself. Why isn't mine blooming? It was a medium size plant in a gallon container. I have not fertilized it since I purchased it. It was in full sun for about two weeks and now I have it in part shade.

ANSWER:

Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), sometimes called Leadwort, is a non-native from South Africa. Both names derive from the color of the flower which is lead color, and the Latin name for lead which is plumbum.