Light. Plant in full sun for the best growth and the most blue flowers.
Water. Water regularly until it is established. After that it is moderately drought tolerant. It needs well-drained soil.
Soil and feeding. It grows in any fertile, well-drained soil. In alkaline soil leaves may yellow from a mineral shortage. One or two feedings during the growing season keep it growing and blooming.
Size. Usually 3–8 ft. Left unpruned it can reach about 10 ft tall and wide, with a sprawling, fountain-like shape; space plants 4–6 ft apart.
Pruning. Cut back excess growth at any time of year. Shearing it into a hedge removes most of the flowers.
Problems to watch. Chilli thrips make leaves curl and stunt. Cottony cushion scale and mites turn up at times but seldom do lasting harm.
Good to know. Blooms nearly year-round in South Florida and attracts butterflies. After a freeze it recovers quickly in spring.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Plumbago · UF/IFAS EDIS FP487: Plumbago auriculata, Plumbago, Cape Plumbago, Sky Flower
