Plumbago
Plumbago europaea

Family: Plumbaginaceae

What it is like

Plumbago europaea is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Dry rocks, hills, maritime sands, roadsides etc.

S. Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The whole plant, but especially the root, is acrid, emetic, odontalgic, sialagogue and vesicant. Chewing the root produces copious salivation and is said to be of benefit in treating toothache.

Acrid: Causes heat and irritation when applied to the skin.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.

Sialagogue: Stimulates the secretion of saliva.

Vesicant: A blistering agent.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained sandy or gritty soil in full sun. One report says that the plant is not very hardy in Britain and is usually grown in a greenhouse.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of basal shoots as new growth emerges in the spring. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. angustifolia.