About Plumbago auriculata Lam.
Plumbago auriculata Lam. is an evergreen shrub that is often grown as a climber. In its natural habitat, it grows quickly, reaching up to 6 m (20 ft) tall and 3 m (10 ft) wide, though cultivated houseplants grow much smaller. Its leaves are glossy green, alternate along stems, and reach 2 to 5 cm (2 in) in length. Its stems are long, thin, and climbing. This species is native to South Africa, where its range stretches from the Southern Cape region to Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. It is also found in Gauteng, and in adjacent areas of Free State and the North West Province, with an isolated population recorded in Mpumalanga. In its native range, it typically grows within bushes or thickets. As an ornamental plant, it is now widely cultivated across the tropics and subtropics, including the Mediterranean region. In temperate regions, it can be grown outdoors in frost-free areas; otherwise, it must be grown under glass. It grows best in full sun to part shade. Both the typical species and the white-flowered form P. auriculata f. alba have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Plumbago auriculata can be propagated sexually from seeds, or asexually from cuttings taken in summer. It requires well-aerated soil and light, and prefers acidic growing conditions.
