I have two of the most beautiful plumbagos in my garden… lush, happy, and absolutely thriving… and lucky for me, I never even had to plant them. Much like many of the wonderful things the original owners planted here - They were already well established when I moved in, like a little welcome gift from nature.
Not long before we moved, we went on holiday, and I completely fell in love with a stunning blue plumbago hedge at one of the places we stayed. Like any good plant enthusiast (or serial plant thief, depending on who you ask or how you look at it), I “borrowed” a few snippets in the hopes of rooting them when I got home. Sadly they didn’t make it. But as luck would have it, I arrived at my new home only to find that I didn’t need to bother anyway because I already had my very own plumbago paradise! Whoop whoop!
Now, every time I admire my plumbago, I can’t help but chuckle at a memory from that holiday… one that involves my beautiful (very special needs, lol) fur child.
Our little guy isn’t exactly the social type, so when we arrived, we did a quick DIY barricade job using the outdoor chairs to keep him from wandering. The place was built on stilts, with a gorgeous wooden deck that wrapped around the house, and right at deck level was this breathtaking blue plumbago hedge which dropped down to the ground.
About an hour after arriving and unpacking the car we noticed that our snoopy was nowhere to be found. Panic. My son and I frantically calling him, searching under tables, behind furniture, even checking the car… nothing. I go to check outside. I run down the stairs to ground level, and there he is - smack in the middle of the hedge, looking utterly bewildered, haha!
In his little doggy brain, the hedge looked like a natural extension of the deck. One confident step forward… and poof! Straight into the bushes. Getting him out was another mission altogether, and when we finally did, he was absolutely covered in those little sticky blue flowers. I mean, covered. It was like he had decided to roll around in a bowl of confetti. Every time I see a plumbago, I think of that moment.
Apart from being the accidental trap for our unsuspecting pooch, plumbago is actually an incredible plant. It’s delicate blue flowers aren’t just beautiful, they are also real butterfly magnets. If you want to bring more pollinators to your garden, plumbago is an awesome choice.
Also, an interesting little bit of useless info about the sticky little flowers… This clever little trick is what helps the plant spread its seeds by hitching a ride on anything (or anyone) that brushes past. One of the things I love most about plumbago is how versatile it is. It grows fast, flowers nearly all year round, and can be shaped into whatever suits your garden, whether that’s a sprawling shrub, a climber with a bit of support, or a neatly trimmed hedge (which is what I’m attempting… attempting being the key word).
Honestly, if you’re looking for a plant that’s easy to grow, brings colour and life to your garden, and occasionally provides unexpected entertainment (courtesy of confused pets), plumbago is a winner. Just ask my dog, lol!
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Until next time...
Much Love from Country Bumpkinland, South Africa xxx
Jaynielea
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