Plumbago auriculata

Plumbago auriculata is an evergreen shrub, often grown as a climber, ascending rapidly to 6 m (20 ft) tall by 3 m (10 ft) wide in nature, though much smaller when cultivated as a houseplant.[6] The leaves are a glossy green and grow to 5 cm (2 in) long.[3][4] The stems are long, thin, and climbing. The leaves alternate and are 2-5 cm while the five petals are about 2 cm wide and can be pale blue, blue or violet in color. There also variations with white (P. auriculata var. alba) or deep blue (P. auriculata 'Royal Cape') flowers. The flowers are arranged in a corymb-like and raceme inflorescence.[7] The flower of this plant is complete and perfect. The sepals and petals are connate while the pistil is adnate. The ovary of the flower is superior and the flower has regular symmetry. It has basal placentation, with 1 locule and 5 carpels.

Many secondary metabolites have been discovered and isolated from Plumbago auriculata such as plumbagin and palmitic acids.[8]

In temperate regions it may be grown outside in frost free areas, otherwise under glass. It grows best in full sun to part shade.

The species[2] and the white-flowered form P. auriculata f. alba[9] have both gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[10]

Plumbago auriculata can be propagated sexually by seeds and asexually by cutting in summer. It needs well-aerated soil and light and prefers acidic soil.

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  Petals
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