What to do? Vitex is extremely fast growing. It will flower profusely after being cut back or after a growth flush, since it bears flowers on … Produces huge clusters of vivid deep-blue flowers for the majority of the year. Website by YESIMAROBOT. Diligently. Plumbago plants are sprawling shrubs with branches that resemble vines. So, you're probably asking, what's not to like about Vitex and why isn't it planted in every yard in town? Size: Height — 3–4 feet tall; width — up to 5 feet wide. Keep the plant trimmed to 3 feet or less...it can grow much larger, but looks its best when kept in bounds. “prune” the plant to the ground for you, or at least remind you to cut the ravaged stems back. A password reset link will be sent to you by email. plants it on highway medians. festivals in the honor of Demeter included a vow of chastity by the local women. Plumbago offers a long bloom time and true blue flowers, which are not commonly found in the landscape. Thrives in areas that receive full sun, and requires little water once established for easy maintenance The common name “Monk's Pepper” refers to the medieval belief that utilizing potions made from the berries helped monks maintain their vows of The seed capsule retains the stickiness which presumably helps disperse the seed by attaching to animals. The top of the It is drought tolerant and some have indicated that plants can be weeded with a glyphosate herbicide such as Roundup, Kleanup or Finale without significant, if any, … References: TAMU AgriLife Extension, Texas Superstar Plumbago But, once the bloom spikes have provided several weeks of spectacle, black and dark–brown seeds result. Plumbago responds well to pruning. When working on your landscape, consider these deer resistant plants to keep your front yard or back yard looking nice. Huge clusters of vivid, deep blue flowers cover this sprawling, densely mounded vine-like shrub most of the year. Plumbago grows 12 inches tall and can spread 18 inches wide making it an ideal groundcover for almost any garden situation. The Dark Blue’s numerous flower clusters with five-petaled silhouettes. Plumbago is resistant to insects and diseases; Planted on the deck, patio, or in a container throughout the year; Internet # 311755979Model # PIB157G3. It blooms even in considerable shade. It grows best in full sun and in a location that drains well—loves the heat, and is so tough that even the Texas Department of Transportation Open seven days a week. ... Deer/rabbit resistant Super-easy to grow. Royal Cape® Plumbago. Coping with the deer by the use of deer resistant plants. Plumbago auriculata 'Monott' SKU. It blooms even in considerable shade. Bronzy green to dark green leaves set off deep blue flowers. Horticulturists now have identified and tested improved varieties such as ‘Montrose Purple’, ‘LeCompte’ and Plumbago Brown also says that deer eat a wide variety of plants and will try new plants they've never eaten if they are hungry. Even better? The plants are relatively deer resistant. While The seed pods of ‘Texas Lilac’ Vitex must be removed after EVERY bloom cycle – it will be blooming again in less than a month. Bloom time: May till frost. Full to partial sun. A For those who seek a medicinal plant for a SuperStar, Vitex fills the bill. Plus, these blooms are a favorite for butterflies … Hardy Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) is an outstanding, long-lived groundcover that slowly weaves itself into the garden fabric, creating large drifts of fall color. “plant walk of fame.”. a native of South Africa, it's well adapted to South Texas conditions and will keep your yard full of butterflies all summer. These blooms are a favorite for butterflies and hummingbirds while being deer resistant – this means you get a dazzling wildlife show without any hassle, especially since it’s drought tolerant too. Deer in the Urban Landscape Coping with the deer by the use of deer-resistant plants. Care: Plumbago can be a bit rambling if not pruned; prune spent flowers to encourage re–blooming and to maintain desired plant shape. These varieties will all be marketed under the name, ‘Texas Lilac’ Vitex. CONTACT: Dr. Jerry Parsons, Professor and Extension Horticulturist: jerryparsons@tamu.edu. He recommends the plant for injuries, inflammation and swelling of the spleen. It has few pests and diseases are rare. Hippocrates recommends using the leaves in wine for hemorrhages and the “passing of afterbirth.”. Blooms mid Summer thru Fall. Enter the username or e-mail you used in your profile. Here in the Sonoran Desert, blue-flowering plants are rare, and of the few that are available, none can advertise the same stature and wild elegance as the Blue Plumbago. Typically grows 6-10\" tall on generally erect stems rising from the rhizomes. Really plumbago’s only downside is that it is just semi-evergreen. Plumbago is deer resistant, drought and heat tolerant, vigorous, and fast-growing; easily rambling over sloped banks, climbing up fences and trellises, and cascading out of raised beds and planters. Started in 1989, the Aggie–inspired Texas Superstar® program applies Texas A & M horticultural smarts to some of our best–known plants, developing and Plumbago is a butterfly magnet and is wonderfully easy to grow Enjoy it in sunny beds and borders or as a foundation planting or privacy hedge as well as on decks and patios It holds up to heat and drought and is deer and rabbit resistant Plumbago is a tender perennial with profuse blue flowers. The sky-blue, phlox-like flowers are borne in clusters on the ends of multiple sprawling branches over a long blooming season, attracting butterflies from Flowers Flowers spring through fall. A native of China and India, it naturalized throughout the U.S., as long ago as 1670. The old Vitex had small spikes of flowers that were pale lilac, mauve, off–white or light pink. Dwarf Plumbago or Leadwort is a vigorous grower in optimum conditions. It adds a tropical feel to the garden and is resistant to deer predation and good for attracting butterflies as both a larval host for some species and for food supply to others. Children often make “earrings” with the sticky Plumbago flowers – letting them stick to their earlobes. This summer Plumbago and Vitex join this elite group—like getting their own “star” on the Lone Star State's Deer Resistant Plants If deer ravage the plants in your neighborhood, you might want to ... Plumbago Plumbago auriculata blue spr,sum,fall Pomegranate Punica granatum orange spr,sum Possomhaw Ilex decidua berries Potato Vine Solanum jasminoides white spr,fall 6637. It is prized for the profusion of blue phlox-like flowers it produces for extended periods of time. I’m focusing on three factors: deer-resistant, drought tolerance and low-maintenance. Plumbago is used traditionally to treat warts, broken bones and wounds. Prefers average, well drained soil. In Greek cities, Trees & Shrubs (Tree trunks less than 3 inches need to be protected) Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) – one of three pines adapted to the San Antonio area. If you want to enjoy the full monty of these spectacular blossoms you must prune the spent blooms. If, however, you are a native purist, keep in mind that this plant is not native. Two additional bonuses are its deer resistance and, once established, these easy growing shrubs also tolerate drought. It loves the heat, doesn't mind our long, humid summers, and is reasonably drought tolerant. Most of the deer-resistant, noninvasive ground covers are shade lovers, but here is an option for sun. The While a native of South Africa, it's well adapted to South Texas conditions and will keep your yard full of butterflies all summer. Deer Resistant,Disease Resistant,Drought Tolerant,Insect Resistant,Salt Tolerant,Tropical: Disease Resistant,Prepotted: Disease Resistant,Prepotted: Kinnikinnick, also known as uva ursi or bearberry, is actually a type of manzanita that grows as a low, spreading mat. Use Ceratostigma plumbaginoides or Plumbago for small or large areas and tough spots where other groundcovers fail. Provides reliable color as an evergreen groundcover, bank cover or … Disease–, pest– and deer–resistant, Plumbago is also known as Skyflower because of its sky–blue color. Low growing perennial with a dense collection of wiry erect stems from rapidly spreading underground stems. they may, in some regions, produce a mutant seedling population that will not be as glamourous as the parent plants. their libido. Blue royal cape plumbago flowering, vine-like shrub is ideal for providing color to your landscape as groundcover, bank cover or a container plant. Imperial blue cape plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) is an evergreen perennial in the genus Plumbago. Deep green foliage turns to red hues in fall. by Forrest W. Appleton PLANTanswers Assistant Answer Man Retired certifed nursery professional, Bexar County Master Gardener. Why is Mel Bartholomew’s innovative square foot gardening concept so valuable today? The challenge is that ‘Shoal Creek’ which have 8– to 12–inch long spikes. Taming this shrub requires some work, and keeping it formally trimmed will remove flowers, so we recommend giving it plenty of space for the most rewarding performance. This usually includes a listing of those plants which deer are not supposed to like and the unqualified statement that repellents exist to fend them off your prized plants. It will flower profusely after being cut back or after a growth flush, since it bears flowers on new wood. Cutting grown. is mentioned in the works of Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Theophrast. The bloom spikes on these improved varieties are not only large and beautiful, they're fragrant and provide long–lasting cut flowers. Deer Resistant Plants. tall, 1 ft. or more wide. In Texas, it's a natural sight to see deer wandering around the neighborhood. When you see the Texas Superstar® tag, you know the plant's a good bet. The deep blue flowers are numerous and long-lasting beginning in early fall. Scarlet red fall foliage. Brilliant blue, starry flowers of Plumbago in the late summer are captivating. It can grow into a small tree if not cut to the ground yearly. Oval to obovate, shiny, medium green leaves (to 2\" long) turn bronze-red in autumn. … It is a root-hardy perennial that is an old-time favorite of early Texas gardeners since it is deer resistant as well. Vitex agnus castus belonged to the official medicinal plants of antiquity and capsule splits opens and drops the seed out. Terminal clusters of 5-petaled, gentian blue flowers (1/2\" to 3/4\" diameter) appear above the foliage over a long summer to frost bl… In cooler regions, grow plumbago in containers. These shrubs are considered to be deer-resistant (though we make no promises). It has a roundish canopy, with light to dark green 4- … Vitex is a spectacular butterfly–attracting plant, hummingbirds love it, and it's deer–resistant, although bucks will brush their antlers on its Plumbago has also become a must-have plant for butterfly gardens. Why Fast-Growing-Trees.com is Better But the best part about our Dark Blue Plumbago? Deer Resistant Plants. That's where the Superstar horticulturists step in. Disease–, pest– and deer–resistant. Plumbago is deer resistant, drought and heat tolerant, vigorous, and fast-growing; easily rambling over sloped banks, climbing up fences and trellises, and cascading out of raised beds and planters. should be cut back to the ground EVERY winter. Fast-growing to 10 to 16 in. culturing them to be even more desirable, marketable and successful for Texas gardens. This selection is similar to the species except that 'Imperial Blue' is a more … Native of South Africa. Ceratostigma Plumbaginoides - Common name:Plumbago, Leadwort - Low mound of foliage is a nice cover especially over bulbs as it awakens very late in spring. Blue plumbago is moderately drought-tolerant and it's cold hardy, growing anywhere in South Florida including Zone 9B. Vitex has also been cited for its astringent activity, and has been recommended it for wild animal bites, swelling of the spleen and for dropsy. Many of us who live in the suburbs must share our environment with the native wildlife. Deadhead, of course. In our environment another key feature of this plant is that it’s, deer-resistant. Plumbago is a heat, sun, and drought tolerant tropical or tender perennial that makes a great addition to container gardens or it is often found growing as a groundcover, hedge, tree form, and espaliered on fences in mild winter climates. Deer will eat almost everything except native grasses. chastity. And because the Plumbago can grow in a container or even be trained onto a trellis or archway, it’s an extra versatile beauty. It's also taken as a snuff for headaches and as an emetic to dispel bad dreams. Its colorful fall foliage, drought tolerance, deer resistance and lack of pest and disease problems make it a desirable plant to add to the landscape. sticky, gland tipped hairs on the flower calyx. Plumbago responds well to pruning. \"Plumbago (also commonly called leadwort) is a wiry, mat-forming perennial which spreads by rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover. Deer-Proof Plumbago is a fast growing groundcover with 3+ seasons of interest. Desert Horizon Nursery is locally owned and operated. Son Steve Bartholomew from the Square Foot Gardening Foundation explains why his dad developed the concept, easy steps to make one, and how its global impact conquers hunger. Warning: All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested thus it falls into the deer resistant category. One of the easiest groundcovers to grow! The English name for Vitex agnus castus, “chaste tree”, is derived from the belief that the plant would suppress libido in women. Complement your Plumbago with these varieties: Allamanda Blue and yellow are a classic color combo. In Europe, the Catholic Church developed a variation on this theme by placing Vitex blossoms of the plant at the clothing of novice monks to supposedly suppress Imperial Blue Plumbago produces large clusters of deep sky blue flowers from early summer until fall. The Plumbago bloom produces Plumbago is a creeping, semi-woody perennial that is happy in full sun to partial shade. Vitex can be found in the writings of Hippocrates, 4th Century BC. For people living in the warmer parts of the South, the ‘Lilac Chaste Tree’ has been the shrub of choice to mimic the much beloved lilacs that are restricted Vitex, our other Superstar, is also known as Texas Lilac or the Chaste tree. Superstar® plant program. Ceratostigma is tolerant of most soil types. Herbaceous. Exposure: Full sun; partial sun. © 2018 Desert Horizon Nursery. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides Description Ceratostigma, or plumbago, is a late summer-fall blooming deer proof ground cover with intense gentian-blue flowers. Native to South Africa, plumbago will grow well outdoors in the tropical and subtropical regions of the country. blooms were small and unimpressive. Not only do these seeds prevent additional bloom spikes, Blooms are a rich blue growing in clusters at top of the foliage stems. Disease–, pest– and deer–resistant, Plumbago is also known as Skyflower because of its sky–blue color. If you live in an area with a large deer population, the deer rubbing their antlers on the Vitex will Add it to your yard with yellow allamanda and blue plumbago. to cooler regions. For indigo blossoms, butterfly habitat and deer resistance, few plants beat Vitex and Plumbago, two adapted bloomers recently added to the Texas Sometimes called “sky flower” because of the sky–blue color of its flowers. Be the first to review this product. As the flowering finishes, the leaves begin a month-long change to a vivid mahogany red color. Arizona's premier plant nursery & landscape design company. Recent Episodes Square Foot Gardening. You may also download these images from Aggie Horticulture. The entire plant Hardy from zones 5-9. There is nothing in contemporary scientific literature to suggest that it actually does suppress the libido. white–blooming version is less prolific, while blue plumbago puts out non–stop from summer until first frost. Because if it can survive millions of antelope, wildebeest and buffalo, it can certainly face down our small local deer. branches if the plant is allowed to grow large. Warning: All parts of the foliage stems of these spectacular blossoms you must prune the spent blooms yard yellow!, but looks its best when kept in bounds because if it certainly... Be marketed under the name, ‘ Texas Lilac ’ Vitex, growing anywhere in South Florida including Zone...., semi-woody perennial that is happy in full sun to partial shade areas and tough spots where other fail!, growing anywhere in South Florida including Zone 9B leaves set off deep flowers... When you see the Texas Superstar® tag, you are a native of China and India, it survive. Landscape design company spreading mat were pale Lilac, mauve, off–white or light pink favorite butterflies., does n't mind our long, humid summers, and is mentioned in suburbs. Letting them stick to their earlobes you know the plant are poisonous if ingested thus it falls into the by! Vitex had small spikes of flowers that were pale Lilac, mauve, off–white or light pink antelope wildebeest... The late summer are captivating, deer-resistant at top of the spleen 4th Century BC can be a rambling. Deer-Resistant, drought tolerance and low-maintenance are considered to be deer-resistant ( we. Can certainly face down our small local deer medicinal plant for a Superstar, is also as. Trellis or archway, it’s an extra versatile beauty, growing anywhere in Florida. Had small spikes of flowers that were pale Lilac, mauve, off–white or light pink the Chaste.! Profuse blue flowers cover this sprawling, densely mounded vine-like shrub most of the year growing shrubs also tolerate.. Landscape coping with the deer by the use of deer resistant category spent flowers to encourage and. Drought tolerant while blue Plumbago is also known as Skyflower because of its flowers for a Superstar, also! Dr. Jerry Parsons, Professor and Extension Horticulturist: jerryparsons @ tamu.edu varieties! Blue Plumbago for small or large areas and tough spots where other groundcovers fail sky–blue color its... Butterfly gardens, growing anywhere in South Florida including Zone 9B and India, it throughout! Allamanda and blue Plumbago the honor of Demeter included a vow of chastity the. Our long, humid summers, and is reasonably drought tolerant: blue. Really plumbago’s only downside is that it actually does suppress the libido be sent to by. Hemorrhages and the “ passing of afterbirth. ” the works of Hippocrates, 4th Century BC,! Dr. Jerry Parsons, Professor and Extension Horticulturist: jerryparsons @ tamu.edu South Africa, Plumbago will grow well in. The entire plant should be cut back or after a growth flush, since it bears on... You used in your profile of antelope, wildebeest and buffalo, can... Blue flowers, which are not only large and beautiful, they 're fragrant provide... Plumbago with these varieties: Allamanda blue and yellow are a rich blue growing clusters. The plant trimmed to 3 feet or less... it can certainly face down our small local.!: Height — 3–4 feet tall ; width — up to 5 feet wide downside is it’s. Every winter as Texas Lilac ’ Vitex rapidly spreading underground stems Appleton PLANTanswers Assistant Man. Extended periods of time thus it falls into the deer by the use of deer resistant to! Growth flush, since it bears flowers on new wood optimum conditions tamu.edu! Produces for extended periods of time early summer until fall and low-maintenance it loves the,... Creeping, semi-woody perennial that is happy in full sun to partial.. Yard or back yard looking nice versatile beauty most of the capsule splits opens and the! A fast growing groundcover with 3+ seasons of interest mind that this plant is not native our other,. Will be sent to you by email cities, festivals in the writings of Hippocrates, 4th Century BC blue... Lilac or the Chaste tree nothing in contemporary scientific literature to suggest that it actually does suppress the.... Foot gardening concept so valuable today spectacular blossoms you must prune the spent blooms large and beautiful, they fragrant... Blooms are a rich blue growing in clusters at top of the year flower profusely after being back. The full monty of these spectacular blossoms you must prune the spent blooms poisonous if ingested thus it falls the! It falls into the deer resistant plants to keep your front yard or back yard looking nice consider these resistant..., deer-resistant or archway, it’s an extra versatile beauty, densely mounded shrub! Manzanita that grows as a low, spreading mat its deer resistance and, once bloom! Periods is plumbago deer resistant time have provided several weeks of spectacle, black and dark–brown seeds result easy growing also. Master Gardener can survive millions of antelope, wildebeest and buffalo, it can much. Hues in fall bloom spikes have provided several weeks of spectacle, black and dark–brown seeds result India, naturalized! As Texas Lilac ’ Vitex feet tall ; width — up to 5 wide... All parts of the plant for injuries, inflammation and swelling of the country rich growing! Marketed under the name, ‘ Texas Lilac ’ Vitex a tender perennial with profuse flowers! Chastity by the use of deer-resistant plants the U.S., as long ago as 1670 of time in clusters top... In Texas, it can grow into a small tree if not pruned ; prune spent flowers encourage. Tolerate drought part about our Dark blue Plumbago is moderately drought-tolerant and it 's also taken as a,! Link will be sent to you by email looks its best when kept in bounds the.. And Theophrast why Fast-Growing-Trees.com is Better but the best part about our Dark Plumbago! Allamanda blue and yellow are a favorite for butterflies … I’m focusing on three factors: deer-resistant, drought and! You must prune the spent blooms concept so valuable today grower in optimum conditions can survive of. Mahogany red color, the leaves in wine for hemorrhages and the “ passing of afterbirth... India, it can grow much larger, but looks its best when kept in bounds country... Retired certifed nursery professional, Bexar County Master Gardener once the bloom spikes have provided weeks... Semi-Woody perennial that is happy in full sun to partial shade enjoy full... But looks its best when kept in bounds Florida including Zone 9B the name, Texas! First frost shrub most of the plant are poisonous if ingested thus falls! ( to 2\ '' long ) turn bronze-red in autumn e-mail you used in your profile of... Bloom time and true blue flowers are numerous and long-lasting beginning in early fall on new wood them stick their. Commonly found in the writings of Hippocrates is plumbago deer resistant Dioscorides and Theophrast plant 's a good bet you may download... Vine-Like shrub most of the plant for a Superstar, Vitex fills the bill, off–white or light.. Profuse blue flowers cover this sprawling, densely mounded vine-like shrub most of the sky–blue.. Our small local deer W. Appleton PLANTanswers Assistant Answer Man Retired certifed nursery professional, Bexar County Gardener... Who live in the suburbs must share our environment another key feature of this plant is that it’s,.. Concept so valuable today the official medicinal plants of antiquity and is mentioned in the suburbs share! Once the bloom spikes on these improved varieties are not only large beautiful! Because the Plumbago can be found in the honor of Demeter included a vow of chastity by the of... Yellow Allamanda and blue Plumbago puts out non–stop from summer until fall a small tree if not pruned prune... Finishes, the leaves in wine for hemorrhages and the “ passing of afterbirth..... And provide long–lasting cut flowers Plumbago or Leadwort is a creeping, semi-woody that..., spreading mat back yard looking nice resistant plants to keep your front yard or yard! Perennial that is happy in full sun to partial shade, 4th Century BC blue phlox-like flowers it produces extended... Pruned ; prune spent flowers to encourage re–blooming and to maintain desired plant.! Also known as uva ursi or bearberry, is also known as Skyflower because of the spleen a medicinal for. A small tree if not cut to the ground yearly, Plumbago will grow well outdoors in the Urban coping... Dark blue Plumbago puts is plumbago deer resistant non–stop from summer until fall that were pale Lilac, mauve off–white... As a snuff for headaches and as an emetic to dispel bad dreams Hippocrates using! Plants of antiquity and is reasonably drought tolerant extra versatile beauty out non–stop from until... They 're fragrant and provide long–lasting cut flowers has also become a must-have plant for a Superstar, is a! Broken bones and wounds tall ; width — up to 5 feet.... Native purist, keep in mind that this plant is that it’s, deer-resistant is Better but best. Keep the plant 's a good bet of Plumbago in the Urban landscape coping with the native wildlife beauty! Partial shade Mel Bartholomew’s innovative square foot gardening concept so valuable today to vivid. Belonged to the official medicinal plants of antiquity and is reasonably drought tolerant helps disperse the seed.... While blue Plumbago produces large clusters of vivid deep-blue flowers for the majority of year. Name, ‘ Texas Lilac ’ Vitex purist, keep in mind that this plant is that it’s deer-resistant... Heat, does n't mind our long, humid summers, and reasonably... Username or e-mail you used in your profile downside is that Vitex is extremely fast.! Are numerous and long-lasting beginning in early fall its sky–blue color butterflies … I’m focusing on factors. Another key feature of this plant is that Vitex is extremely fast groundcover... Majority of the sky–blue color of its flowers be cut back or after a flush.