Plumbago indica, the Indian leadwort, scarlet leadwort or whorled plantain, is a species of flowering plant in the family Plumbaginaceae, native to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Yunnan in southern China. Growing to 2 m (7 ft) tall by 1 m (3 ft) wide, it is a spreading evergreen shrub with oval leaves. It produces racemes of deep pink or scarlet flowers in winter.Plumbago indica is cultivated as an ornamental plant. With a minimum temperature of 7 °C (45 °F), it prefers subtropical or warm-temperate climates, or a greenhouse in cool climates.It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Whorled plantain shows strong resistance to disease and is typically not susceptible to illnesses. When it comes to care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. Planted outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. Whorled plantain is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand extensive care experience.
How to keep Plumbago Indica.
Light
Whorled plantain comes from open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest edges, which provide abundant light. It does best in full sun but can also tolerate partial sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.
Temperature
Whorled plantain comes from tropical areas where the climate is usually warm and humid. As a result, it is well suited to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a stable temperature environment, so indoor temperature fluctuations should be avoided. It generally cannot endure cold and requires higher temperatures for growth. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
Early spring, when the Whorled plantain breaks dormancy, is the best time to fertilize. This encourages overall growth and supports flower development. Fertilizing improves the foliage, stems, and branches while encouraging large, vibrant, and long-lasting flowers. It also helps transfer nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant’s health and resistance to disease.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Vine, Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Plumbago
- Family
- Plumbaginaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- All year round
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- All year round
- Native Area
- Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand
Other names.
