Plumbago zeylanica, commonly known as Ceylon leadwort, doctorbush or wild leadwort, is a species of plumbago with a pantropical distribution. Carl Linnaeus described the paleotropical P. zeylanica and Neotropical P. scandens as separate species, but they are currently considered synonymous.
Wild leadwort has strong resistance to diseases and is typically not susceptible to them. In terms of maintenance, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens generally do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Wild leadwort is appropriate for anyone who has outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand extensive care experience.
How to keep Plumbago Scandens.
Light
The wild leadwort grows best in abundant light, favoring bright conditions throughout the day. It can endure situations with fewer hours of illumination. Its natural habitat is well lit. Too much or too little light can affect the plant's vigorous growth.
Temperature
Wild leadwort originates from regions where temperatures range between 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It prefers this warm climate, so to ensure optimum growth, closely monitor and adjust the surrounding temperature to match seasonal changes.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Wild leadwort is in early spring when it breaks dormancy. This supports overall growth and flower development. Fertilization improves foliage, stems, and branches, and encourages flowers that are larger, more vibrant, and longer-lasting. It 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, Biennial
- Genus
- Plumbago
- Family
- Plumbaginaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-11
- Mature Height
- 0.91 m to 1.22 m
- Mature Spread
- 0.91 m to 1.22 m
- Leaf Color
- Light Green, Medium Sea Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- All year round
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- All year round
- Native Area
- Sri Lanka, Burkina Faso, Egypt, India, Malaysia, Belize, Angola, Mexico, Guatemala, Namibia, Madagascar, Pakistan, Yemen, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Zimbabwe, Benin, Indonesia, Cambodia, Cameroon, Mozambique, Venezuela, Oman, Botswana, Congo, Nepal, Central African Republic, Honduras, Peru, South Africa, Zambia, Sudan, Philippines, Laos, Bangladesh, Guinea, Panama, Chad, China, Colombia, Bahamas, Bolivia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Togo, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Singapore, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Thailand
Other names.
