These shrubs are considered to be deer-resistant (though we make no promises). For people living in the warmer parts of the South, the ‘Lilac Chaste Tree’ has been the shrub of choice to mimic the much beloved lilacs that are restricted Disease–, pest– and deer–resistant, Plumbago is also known as Skyflower because of its sky–blue color. So, you're probably asking, what's not to like about Vitex and why isn't it planted in every yard in town? “prune” the plant to the ground for you, or at least remind you to cut the ravaged stems back. You may also download these images from Aggie Horticulture. This usually includes a listing of those plants which deer are not supposed to like and the unqualified statement that repellents exist to fend them off your prized plants. It is a root-hardy perennial that is an old-time favorite of early Texas gardeners since it is deer resistant as well. Plumbago is a creeping, semi-woody perennial that is happy in full sun to partial shade. It blooms even in considerable shade. Diligently. Superstar® plant program. Desert Horizon Nursery is locally owned and operated. Prefers average, well drained soil. Deer Resistant Plants. When working on your landscape, consider these deer resistant plants to keep your front yard or back yard looking nice. Plumbago grows 12 inches tall and can spread 18 inches wide making it an ideal groundcover for almost any garden situation. Trees & Shrubs (Tree trunks less than 3 inches need to be protected) Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) – one of three pines adapted to the San Antonio area. Brilliant blue, starry flowers of Plumbago in the late summer are captivating. But, once the bloom spikes have provided several weeks of spectacle, black and dark–brown seeds result. The challenge is that It will flower profusely after being cut back or after a growth flush, since it bears flowers on … The sky-blue, phlox-like flowers are borne in clusters on the ends of multiple sprawling branches over a long blooming season, attracting butterflies from Flowers Flowers spring through fall. festivals in the honor of Demeter included a vow of chastity by the local women. Recent Episodes Square Foot Gardening. Two additional bonuses are its deer resistance and, once established, these easy growing shrubs also tolerate drought. Bloom time: May till frost. Plumbago has also become a must-have plant for butterfly gardens. The entire plant Ceratostigma plumbaginoides Description Ceratostigma, or plumbago, is a late summer-fall blooming deer proof ground cover with intense gentian-blue flowers. Add it to your yard with yellow allamanda and blue plumbago. Plumbago offers a long bloom time and true blue flowers, which are not commonly found in the landscape. tall, 1 ft. or more wide. ‘Shoal Creek’ which have 8– to 12–inch long spikes. While a native of South Africa, it's well adapted to South Texas conditions and will keep your yard full of butterflies all summer. Blooms mid Summer thru Fall. Deer will eat almost everything except native grasses. The their libido. culturing them to be even more desirable, marketable and successful for Texas gardens. Blue plumbago is moderately drought-tolerant and it's cold hardy, growing anywhere in South Florida including Zone 9B. These varieties will all be marketed under the name, ‘Texas Lilac’ Vitex. Disease–, pest– and deer–resistant, Plumbago is also known as Skyflower because of its sky–blue color. Vitex, our other Superstar, is also known as Texas Lilac or the Chaste tree. For those who seek a medicinal plant for a SuperStar, Vitex fills the bill. branches if the plant is allowed to grow large. Son Steve Bartholomew from the Square Foot Gardening Foundation explains why his dad developed the concept, easy steps to make one, and how its global impact conquers hunger. Plumbago is a heat, sun, and drought tolerant tropical or tender perennial that makes a great addition to container gardens or it is often found growing as a groundcover, hedge, tree form, and espaliered on fences in mild winter climates. Its colorful fall foliage, drought tolerance, deer resistance and lack of pest and disease problems make it a desirable plant to add to the landscape. Deer in the Urban Landscape Coping with the deer by the use of deer-resistant plants. Even better? The bloom spikes on these improved varieties are not only large and beautiful, they're fragrant and provide long–lasting cut flowers. Size: Height — 3–4 feet tall; width — up to 5 feet wide. Terminal clusters of 5-petaled, gentian blue flowers (1/2\" to 3/4\" diameter) appear above the foliage over a long summer to frost bl… Really plumbago’s only downside is that it is just semi-evergreen. Plumbago responds well to pruning. Plumbago is deer resistant, drought and heat tolerant, vigorous, and fast-growing; easily rambling over sloped banks, climbing up fences and trellises, and cascading out of raised beds and planters. should be cut back to the ground EVERY winter. Keep the plant trimmed to 3 feet or less...it can grow much larger, but looks its best when kept in bounds. Huge clusters of vivid, deep blue flowers cover this sprawling, densely mounded vine-like shrub most of the year. Most of the deer-resistant, noninvasive ground covers are shade lovers, but here is an option for sun. Open seven days a week. Started in 1989, the Aggie–inspired Texas Superstar® program applies Texas A & M horticultural smarts to some of our best–known plants, developing and Bronzy green to dark green leaves set off deep blue flowers. A password reset link will be sent to you by email. A native of China and India, it naturalized throughout the U.S., as long ago as 1670. Use Ceratostigma plumbaginoides or Plumbago for small or large areas and tough spots where other groundcovers fail. Low growing perennial with a dense collection of wiry erect stems from rapidly spreading underground stems. Care: Plumbago can be a bit rambling if not pruned; prune spent flowers to encourage re–blooming and to maintain desired plant shape. Plumbago is resistant to insects and diseases; Planted on the deck, patio, or in a container throughout the year; Internet # 311755979Model # PIB157G3. Fast-growing to 10 to 16 in. The deep blue flowers are numerous and long-lasting beginning in early fall. It adds a tropical feel to the garden and is resistant to deer predation and good for attracting butterflies as both a larval host for some species and for food supply to others. is mentioned in the works of Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Theophrast. In cooler regions, grow plumbago in containers. It's also taken as a snuff for headaches and as an emetic to dispel bad dreams. Plumbago is deer resistant, drought and heat tolerant, vigorous, and fast-growing; easily rambling over sloped banks, climbing up fences and trellises, and cascading out of raised beds and planters. Plumbago is a butterfly magnet and is wonderfully easy to grow Enjoy it in sunny beds and borders or as a foundation planting or privacy hedge as well as on decks and patios It holds up to heat and drought and is deer and rabbit resistant Plumbago Brown also says that deer eat a wide variety of plants and will try new plants they've never eaten if they are hungry. Hardy from zones 5-9. Why is Mel Bartholomew’s innovative square foot gardening concept so valuable today? If you live in an area with a large deer population, the deer rubbing their antlers on the Vitex will What to do? As the flowering finishes, the leaves begin a month-long change to a vivid mahogany red color. It blooms even in considerable shade. Vitex has also been cited for its astringent activity, and has been recommended it for wild animal bites, swelling of the spleen and for dropsy. For indigo blossoms, butterfly habitat and deer resistance, few plants beat Vitex and Plumbago, two adapted bloomers recently added to the Texas Imperial blue cape plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) is an evergreen perennial in the genus Plumbago. Cutting grown. Full to partial sun. Thrives in areas that receive full sun, and requires little water once established for easy maintenance Disease–, pest– and deer–resistant. If, however, you are a native purist, keep in mind that this plant is not native. The English name for Vitex agnus castus, “chaste tree”, is derived from the belief that the plant would suppress libido in women. Native of South Africa. The Dark Blue’s numerous flower clusters with five-petaled silhouettes. … This selection is similar to the species except that 'Imperial Blue' is a more … Horticulturists now have identified and tested improved varieties such as ‘Montrose Purple’, ‘LeCompte’ and A In Texas, it's a natural sight to see deer wandering around the neighborhood. Sometimes called “sky flower” because of the sky–blue color of its flowers. a native of South Africa, it's well adapted to South Texas conditions and will keep your yard full of butterflies all summer. The seed pods of ‘Texas Lilac’ Vitex must be removed after EVERY bloom cycle – it will be blooming again in less than a month. The common name “Monk's Pepper” refers to the medieval belief that utilizing potions made from the berries helped monks maintain their vows of Plumbago responds well to pruning. Plumbago is a tender perennial with profuse blue flowers. The Plumbago bloom produces He recommends the plant for injuries, inflammation and swelling of the spleen. Herbaceous. Dwarf Plumbago or Leadwort is a vigorous grower in optimum conditions. Taming this shrub requires some work, and keeping it formally trimmed will remove flowers, so we recommend giving it plenty of space for the most rewarding performance. Website by YESIMAROBOT. The old Vitex had small spikes of flowers that were pale lilac, mauve, off–white or light pink. by Forrest W. Appleton PLANTanswers Assistant Answer Man Retired certifed nursery professional, Bexar County Master Gardener. In Greek cities, Vitex is extremely fast growing. Typically grows 6-10\" tall on generally erect stems rising from the rhizomes. they may, in some regions, produce a mutant seedling population that will not be as glamourous as the parent plants. Plus, these blooms are a favorite for butterflies … Exposure: Full sun; partial sun. Hippocrates recommends using the leaves in wine for hemorrhages and the “passing of afterbirth.”. Deep green foliage turns to red hues in fall. And because the Plumbago can grow in a container or even be trained onto a trellis or archway, it’s an extra versatile beauty. It is drought tolerant and some have indicated that plants can be weeded with a glyphosate herbicide such as Roundup, Kleanup or Finale without significant, if any, … Arizona's premier plant nursery & landscape design company. There is nothing in contemporary scientific literature to suggest that it actually does suppress the libido. sticky, gland tipped hairs on the flower calyx. blooms were small and unimpressive. Plumbago plants are sprawling shrubs with branches that resemble vines. Scarlet red fall foliage. Deer Resistant Plants. plants it on highway medians. to cooler regions. Many of us who live in the suburbs must share our environment with the native wildlife. Why Fast-Growing-Trees.com is Better But the best part about our Dark Blue Plumbago? Oval to obovate, shiny, medium green leaves (to 2\" long) turn bronze-red in autumn. Deer Resistant,Disease Resistant,Drought Tolerant,Insect Resistant,Salt Tolerant,Tropical: Disease Resistant,Prepotted: Disease Resistant,Prepotted: These blooms are a favorite for butterflies and hummingbirds while being deer resistant – this means you get a dazzling wildlife show without any hassle, especially since it’s drought tolerant too. In Europe, the Catholic Church developed a variation on this theme by placing Vitex blossoms of the plant at the clothing of novice monks to supposedly suppress Kinnikinnick, also known as uva ursi or bearberry, is actually a type of manzanita that grows as a low, spreading mat. It loves the heat, doesn't mind our long, humid summers, and is reasonably drought tolerant. white–blooming version is less prolific, while blue plumbago puts out non–stop from summer until first frost. When you see the Texas Superstar® tag, you know the plant's a good bet. Plumbago is used traditionally to treat warts, broken bones and wounds. Ceratostigma Plumbaginoides - Common name:Plumbago, Leadwort - Low mound of foliage is a nice cover especially over bulbs as it awakens very late in spring. Not only do these seeds prevent additional bloom spikes, Vitex can be found in the writings of Hippocrates, 4th Century BC. The plants are relatively deer resistant. \"Plumbago (also commonly called leadwort) is a wiry, mat-forming perennial which spreads by rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover. In our environment another key feature of this plant is that it’s, deer-resistant. capsule splits opens and drops the seed out. Complement your Plumbago with these varieties: Allamanda Blue and yellow are a classic color combo. References: TAMU AgriLife Extension, Texas Superstar Plumbago It has few pests and diseases are rare. Blue royal cape plumbago flowering, vine-like shrub is ideal for providing color to your landscape as groundcover, bank cover or a container plant. Coping with the deer by the use of deer resistant plants. I’m focusing on three factors: deer-resistant, drought tolerance and low-maintenance. Deer Resistant Plants If deer ravage the plants in your neighborhood, you might want to ... Plumbago Plumbago auriculata blue spr,sum,fall Pomegranate Punica granatum orange spr,sum Possomhaw Ilex decidua berries Potato Vine Solanum jasminoides white spr,fall Children often make “earrings” with the sticky Plumbago flowers – letting them stick to their earlobes. © 2018 Desert Horizon Nursery. “plant walk of fame.”. Enter the username or e-mail you used in your profile. 6637. It is prized for the profusion of blue phlox-like flowers it produces for extended periods of time. One of the easiest groundcovers to grow! It grows best in full sun and in a location that drains well—loves the heat, and is so tough that even the Texas Department of Transportation Blooms are a rich blue growing in clusters at top of the foliage stems. Provides reliable color as an evergreen groundcover, bank cover or … Royal Cape® Plumbago. It will flower profusely after being cut back or after a growth flush, since it bears flowers on new wood. Deadhead, of course. If you want to enjoy the full monty of these spectacular blossoms you must prune the spent blooms. Be the first to review this product. Ceratostigma is tolerant of most soil types. Plumbago auriculata 'Monott' SKU. It has a roundish canopy, with light to dark green 4- … Here in the Sonoran Desert, blue-flowering plants are rare, and of the few that are available, none can advertise the same stature and wild elegance as the Blue Plumbago. Produces huge clusters of vivid deep-blue flowers for the majority of the year. That's where the Superstar horticulturists step in. The top of the chastity. Warning: All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested thus it falls into the deer resistant category. Vitex is a spectacular butterfly–attracting plant, hummingbirds love it, and it's deer–resistant, although bucks will brush their antlers on its The seed capsule retains the stickiness which presumably helps disperse the seed by attaching to animals. CONTACT: Dr. Jerry Parsons, Professor and Extension Horticulturist: jerryparsons@tamu.edu. Imperial Blue Plumbago produces large clusters of deep sky blue flowers from early summer until fall. It can grow into a small tree if not cut to the ground yearly. Hardy Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) is an outstanding, long-lived groundcover that slowly weaves itself into the garden fabric, creating large drifts of fall color. Vitex agnus castus belonged to the official medicinal plants of antiquity and This summer Plumbago and Vitex join this elite group—like getting their own “star” on the Lone Star State's ... Deer/rabbit resistant Super-easy to grow. Deer-Proof Plumbago is a fast growing groundcover with 3+ seasons of interest. Native to South Africa, plumbago will grow well outdoors in the tropical and subtropical regions of the country. Because if it can survive millions of antelope, wildebeest and buffalo, it can certainly face down our small local deer. 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