How to Grow Dwarf Plumbago

Dwarf plumbago's blue flowers make it a striking accent to other perennials in the garden. Popular as a groundcover, it grows and spreads slowly, flowering from summer to the first frost. Because of its dense growth habit, dwarf plumbago shades out weeds. It is generally pest- and disease-resistant, and it thrives in less-than-perfect soil in zones 5 through 9 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Map.

Tuna or cat-food cans
Measuring cup
5-3-3 fertilizer
Pruning shears
Sharp knife

Instructions

- 1
  Grow your dwarf plumbago in a sunny spot in the garden. It will grow in partial shade but flowers better in the sun.
- 2
  Provide the dwarf plumbago 1 inch of water a week during dry periods. To determine how long to run the water to give it 1 inch, place empty tuna or cat food cans in random areas throughout the plumbago bed. Water as you normally do and time how long it takes to fill the cans half full.
- 3
  Fertilize in spring just as new growth appears. Use 1 cup of 5-3-3 fertilizer and water to a depth of 6 inches after fertilizing.
- 4
  Cut back the dwarf plumbago in spring to remove dead foliage and flowers. This is also the time to divide the plant. Dig it up and use a sharp knife to cut the plant into smaller plants, each with their own roots. Replant them immediately.
- 5
  Check the dwarf plumbago periodically for aphids. Use the water hose to wash the pests from the plant. Use insecticidal soap to manage large infestations. Spray the soap directly on the pests until they are covered.

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