~Dwarf Plumbago~

Low, bushy semi-evergreen perennial spreads by rhizomes.  Foliage turns brilliant orange and maroon red in fall.  Chosen for "Great Plant Picks"™ in 2006.   Slow to come out in the spring, be patient, believe me it's worth it! 

Bloom:  Electric blue flowers in late summer and early fall, contrasting sharply with foliage that turns orange and maroon red at roughly the same time.   Flower buds are dark purply-red and show prominently.

Habit:  6-12" tall by 18-24" wide in 2-3 years with reasonable care.  Spreads by underground rhizomes.  Can spread indefinitely but is not considered invasive.  Tends to die down to the ground during winter and reemerges in mid to late spring.

Exposure:  Full sun to part shade.

Site:  Plant in well drained soil.

Spreading rate:  Medium.

Uses:  Great as a low border along pathways and entryways.  Can be used in and among trees as an understory planting, and in large mass plantings.   Great in semi-dry areas once established. 

Fertilizing:  Feed in early spring and again lightly in early fall.  Use a balanced fertilizer, preferably one containing a slow release nitrogen source.  Always follow the manufacturer's label recommendations when making any applications of fertilizer.  Be sure to rinse the fertilizer off the foliage. 

Watering:  Regular summer water should be provided the first couple of years to ensure good plant establishment and to promote maximum growth.  After that, water as needed. 

Pruning:  Can be mowed or sheared yearly during winter.  This plant is often deciduous during the winter months.   New growth in spring appears late.  We have this plant in our home garden.  Dependable and semi-drought tolerant once established.

Foot traffic:  Not recommended. 

Hardiness:  -20° to -10° F.