African Wildlife & Environment Issue 82

GARDENING FOR BIODIVERSITY

The beautiful powder-blue flowers of Plumbago auriculata

A Rhapsody in Blue

Not only is Plumbago Plumbago auriculata one of our best known plants internationally, but it is also one of the most easily grown. Hardy, fairly drought resistant and able to tolerate poor soil, it is a rambling, much-branched shrub

Charles and Julia Botha

which enjoys the sun. Powder-blue, phlox-like flowers are carried in large clusters at the ends of the branches and, although usually present all year round, are more abundant during summer. Found naturally from almost sea level to an altitude of over 1 600 meters, P. auriculata tolerates a wide range of climatic conditions. It is equally comfortable in a windy coastal spot or surviving Gauteng’s cold highveld winters where, although usually able to resist or recover from frost damage, it is best to protect young plants.

36 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 82 (2022)