Imperial Blue Plumbago
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking vibrant, butterfly-attracting summer color.
Imperial Blue Plumbago is a heat, sun, and drought-tolerant tropical perennial celebrated for its abundant, deep sky-blue flowers that bloom from early summer through fall. It thrives in well-drained, acidic soil and prefers full to partial sun. This versatile plant can be used as a groundcover, hedge, or even trained into a tree form or espaliered against fences in milder climates. It's also known to attract butterflies, making it a lovely addition to any garden seeking vibrant color and beneficial wildlife.
$12.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
831
/ 2989
#831 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-53%
Below average
Catalog ID#
9739
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking consistent, vibrant color throughout the growing season
- Busy homeowners needing hardy, low-water landscape additions
- Designers looking for versatile plants that adapt to various structures
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with limited space or strict plant containment requirements
- Residents in colder climates seeking year-round outdoor greenery
- Low-effort gardeners who prefer a hands-off maintenance routine
Performance breakdown
Drought Tolerance
Exceptional resilience in arid conditions once the root system is established.
Bloom Longevity
Provides consistent, vibrant color from early summer well into the fall.
Pollinator Appeal
Reliably draws butterflies to the garden with its deep blue clusters.
Design Versatility
Easily transitions from groundcover to formal hedge or espaliered focal point.
Climate Adaptability
Thrives in warmer zones but requires protection in colder northern climates.
Maintenance Ease
Low-fuss perennial that rewards minimal care with vigorous, healthy growth.
Key Specs
Catalog ID#
9739
Mature Height
2-3'H x 3'W (6-8' in mild climates)
USDA Cold Hardiness Zones
8B,9,10,11
Light
Full sun, Mostly sunny, Part shade, Part sun
Soil pH
Acidic, Mildly Acidic
Soil Type
Average moist, fertile, average to well-draining soils
Flowering Period
Spring to fall to potentially year-round under warm tropical conditions
Container Size
3.5 inch Pot / 16 fl.oz. / 473 ml
Features
- Produces large clusters of deep sky blue flowers
- Blooms from early summer until fall
- Heat, sun, and drought tolerant
- Attracts butterflies
- Versatile use: groundcover, hedge, tree form, espalier
- Suitable for container gardens
- RHS Award of Garden Merit recipient
- Texas Superstar® certified
What customers say
Customers consistently express delight with the Imperial Blue Plumbago, highlighting its exceptional quality and remarkable ease of care. Many reviews praise the plants for arriving healthy and robust, establishing quickly in various garden settings. Gardeners appreciate how effortlessly this plumbago thrives, producing abundant, vibrant blue blooms that enhance their outdoor spaces with minimal fuss. Its vigorous growth and beautiful display offer a truly rewarding experience, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts seeking reliable beauty.
Know before you buy
This plant thrives in USDA zones 8B through 11. It is highly heat and drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for warm, sunny environments.
Yes, Imperial Blue Plumbago is well-suited for container gardening. Ensure you use a well-draining potting mix and provide a pot large enough to accommodate its growth.
For the best flowering results, place your Plumbago in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. While it is adaptable, more sunlight generally leads to more abundant blooms.
In most garden settings, you can expect it to reach 2 to 3 feet in height and width. However, in milder climates, it can grow significantly larger, reaching up to 6 to 8 feet.
It prefers acidic to mildly acidic soil that is fertile and well-draining. Avoid planting it in areas where water tends to pool, as it requires good drainage to stay healthy.
Yes, the deep sky-blue flowers are known to be a magnet for butterflies. It is a great choice if you are looking to add both vibrant color and beneficial wildlife to your landscape.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$13