Scientific: Plumbago zeylanica (Synonyms: Molubda scandens, Plumbagidium scandens, Plumbago occidentalis, Plumbago sarmentosa, Plumbago scandens, Plumbago sarmentosa, Plumbago toxicaria)
Common: plumbago, chitrak, Ceylon leadwort, doctorbush, wild leadwort
Family: Plumbaginaceae
Origin: Tropical and sub-tropical climates around the world including Australia, India, Baja California and south Texas.
Pronounciation: Plum-BAY-go zey-lan-EYE-ka
Hardiness zones
Sunset 12-13
USDA 9-11
Landscape Use: Weak floral accent, low background, raised planters, water conservation, cascade effect.
Form & Character: Upright and sprawling, unruly and informal, generally bland, not outstanding.
Growth Habit: Evergreen, mostly herbaceous, broadleaf perennial shrub, moderate growth rate to 4-feet tall with 8-feet spread.
Foliage/Texture: Oblong-spatulate, 2-inches long tapering to a short petiole, dark green, stipular leaves and semi-angular stems; medium texture.
Flowers & Fruits: White tubular flowers in terminal clusters, fruits insignificant.
Seasonal Color: Unimpressive, small white flowers from May through September, sometimes sporadically through the fall.
Temperature: Tolerant
Light: Full sun to partial shade. Eastern exposures best, avoid western exposures.
Soil: Tolerant.
Watering: Drought tolerant, but supplemental water increases foliar density and lushness.
Pruning: Prune to shape, but do not try and maintain this plant as a formal hedge, aka 'Hort clods' stand down! Frequent shearing diminishes this plant's already weak floral accent potential.
Propagation: Softwood cuttings
Disease and Pests: None
Additional comments: Plumbago is a smaller landscape shrub that functions as a xeric, somewhat less ornate, unimpressive alternative to Plumbago auriculata. It is rarely found growing in Phoenix landscapes, and that's probably okay by most everyone.
My final asessment: Early Middle eastern folk medicine recommended use of crushed plumbago as an abortifacient. This is not my favorite Phoenix landscape plant.