California Blues, Cape Plumbago Imperial and 50 similar items

Plumbago Imperial Blue * Full sun * 6-10 ft * With long, thin stems and an abundance of royal blue flowers, * Imperial Blue cape plumbago (Plumbago auriculata "Imperial Blue") Cape plumbago is relatively drought-tolerant and, once established, requires little water, especially in mild climates. However, the plant benefits from occasional irrigation during warm, dry weather. Water generously, soaking the soil around the roots to create a long, healthy root system. To prevent problems caused by soggy soil, allow the top of the soil to dry between each watering. Although cape plumbago generally doesn't require fertilization, a feeding once or twice in spring and summer encourages a continual display of blooms. Fertilizer is also in order if the plant displays yellowing leaves, which indicate a mineral deficiency. Use an all-purpose liquid or granular fertilizer with a ratio such as 10-10-10, applied at the rate recommended on the label. To prevent scorching the plant, always apply fertilizer to moist soil and then follow fertilization with a deep soaking to activate the fertilizer and distribute it evenly around the roots. If fertilizer lands on the foliage, rinse it immediately. Cape plumbago benefits from pruning in late winter, which promotes blooming, keeps the shrub neat and tidy and prevents it from rambling excessively. Remove all dead or damaged branches, as well as branches that rub on or grow across other branches. If the shrub is still too large or bushy, remove a few of the oldest stems with the cuts made about 6 to 12 inches from the outermost perimeter of the shrub. That way, the cut is inside the plant where the trimmed branches are hidden by foliage. Remove enough of the old stems to produce the desired appearance. Although plumbago tolerates fairly heavy pruning, avoid shearing the shrub, as shearing creates a manicured appearance and decreased blooming. Instead, create a natural appearance by trimming individual branches with hand pruners. Plumbago Seed Germination *Start plumbago seeds in early summer when the days are long and warm. Fill a 4-inch plastic pot with clean, peat-based soil or compost for each plumbago seed. Moisten the soil thoroughly before sowing the seeds. *Sow one plumbago seed in each pot at a depth of 1/4-inch. Cover the seed completely with soil so it is not exposed to air and light. Mist the soil with water, then firm it to increase contact with the seed. *Set the pot in a bright, sheltered location such as indoors near an east-facing window or outdoors under a south-facing porch. Cover the pots with a propagation dome. Warm the seeds to 70 degrees Fahrenheit using a heating mat if daytime temperature stay below 65 degrees. *Maintain constant, light moisture in the top 1-inch of soil during the germination process, but let the surface dry out between watering to prevent mold. Water with a spray or misting bottle to keep from dislodging the plumbago seeds. *Watch for germination in roughly 25 days, or three to four weeks. Uncover the plumbago seedlings once they emerge and continue to water whenever the soil-surface dries out and remove the heating mat. *Grow the plumbago seedlings in a very bright, wind-sheltered location until early autumn, then acclimate them to direct sun. Transplant them into the ground in spring or autumn of the following year.