Plant · GBIF taxon 3082283
blue plumbago
Plumbago auriculataAlso known as Cape Leadwort, Cape Plumbago, Sky Flower
Blue plumbago is a sprawling evergreen shrub celebrated for its dense clusters of phlox-like, sky-blue flowers that bloom almost continuously in warm climates. Native to South African scrublands, its stems carry glandular calyces that secrete a sticky fluid, efficiently catching insects and helping seeds adhere to passing animals for dispersal. It serves as a vital nectar source for long-tongued bees and larvae host plant for various blue butterfly species.
FloweringEvergreenShrub
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
Not available
ThreatsSevere frost, habitat alteration in native scrublands
HabitatsThicketered scrub, coastal bushveld, dry valleys, gardens, urban hedges
Life span10–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCaryophyllales
- FamilyPlumbaginaceae
- GenusPlumbago
- SpeciesPlumbago auriculata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Sap contains plumbagin which can cause mild skin irritation; wear gloves when heavy pruning.
- Why it is dangerous
- Stems and leaves contain plumbagin, a chemical compound that can trigger contact dermatitis or localized skin blistering.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by five-petaled sky-blue flowers and sticky glandular calyces beneath each bloom.
- What to do
- Wear lightweight gardening gloves and long sleeves when clearing or pruning mature branches.
Responsible observation
- Sunlight exposure: Plant in full sun to encourage lush foliage and maximum flowering.
- Pruning advice: Trim back hard in late winter or early spring to maintain a manageable shape.
- Safety tip: Wear garden gloves during heavy trimming to avoid skin contact with sap.
Pollinator Close Relative 
Close Relative (c) Ameet Mandavia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ameet Mandavia · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · cc0
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