Botanical Name: Plumbago auriculata ‘Alba’ Common Name: White Plumbago, Cape Leadwort Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 9–11 (Grown as an Annual in Colder Climates) Size: 6–10' Tall × 6–10' Spread Growth Habit: Shrubby, Spreading, Semi-Vining Habit Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Adapts to a Wide Range of Conditions Water Needs: Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established Bloom Season: Late Spring through Fall Fertilizer: Light Feeding in Spring; Avoid Excess Nitrogen Features: Clean White Flower Clusters, Heat & Humidity Tolerant, Long Bloom Season, Deer Resistant Uses: Shrub Borders, Foundation Plantings, Espaliers, Containers, Tropical Landscapes

Patent: ❌ Not Patented Propagation: ✔ Propagation Permitted

More About White Plumbago

White Plumbago is a graceful, long-blooming shrub prized for its pure white flower clusters that appear continuously from late spring through fall. The flowers are held above soft green foliage, creating a light, airy look that works beautifully in both formal and tropical landscapes.

Unlike blue plumbago, the white form offers a cleaner, more refined color palette, making it an excellent companion to bold foliage plants, flowering shrubs, and architectural evergreens. In warm climates, it develops into a large, flowing shrub; in cooler regions, it is often grown as a fast-growing seasonal accent.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, White Plumbago has proven to be extremely heat-tolerant and dependable, thriving through summer heat and humidity with minimal care. Once established, it handles short dry periods well and continues flowering without constant attention.

We especially appreciate its landscape versatility. It can be allowed to grow naturally as a loose shrub, trained against walls or trellises, or maintained in large containers for patios and entryways.

White Plumbago vs. Blue Plumbago

Compared to blue plumbago, the white form offers a softer, more neutral look that blends easily with a wide range of color schemes.

While blue plumbago often acts as a focal plant, White Plumbago excels as a brightening element, helping balance darker foliage or intense flower colors. For gardeners seeking a long-blooming, heat-loving shrub with elegant white flowers, White Plumbago is an excellent choice.