White Plumbago
Plumbago zeylanica
A compact Arizona native shrub with distinctive red buds that open to cream-colored flowers, attracting butterflies in spring.
Hardy in USDA zones 9-11; an Arizona native tolerant of low-desert heat, freezing back in hard frost but resprouting reliably from the roots.
AMWUA Notes
A moderate-water native that tolerates part shade; a butterfly larval host that adds soft warm-season bloom in filtered light.
Care Guide
Water every 7-10 days in summer, especially in the part shade it prefers; it is moderately drought tolerant but blooms and looks best with steady moisture.
Head back the sprawling stems in late winter to keep it compact; it can look loose and rangy, so periodic light pruning maintains a tidy mound.
A light spring feeding supports growth in lean soil.
Free of significant pests.
Semi-evergreen, freezing back in a hard frost and resprouting; red buds open to cream flowers mainly in the warm season, drawing butterflies including its larval hosts.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Well-drained soils with some organic matter; tolerates caliche and alkaline pH and prefers part shade.
Needs well-drained soil.
Low feeder.
From cuttings, seed, or division.
3 ft
Non-aggressive, scrambling roots; safe near pools and paths.
Placement Tips
- •Compact at about 3 ft with a scrambling habit; space 3 ft apart in a border or let it weave among other plants.
- •One of the few here that welcomes part shade, making it useful under tree canopies and on east exposures.
- •Low litter and small size make it a good pool- and path-side filler.
- •Site with some afternoon relief; it can bleach and struggle in the harshest reflected sun.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your White Plumbago. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
White Plumbago — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does White Plumbago need in Phoenix?
White Plumbago is a moderate-water shrub once established. Water every 7-10 days in summer, especially in the part shade it prefers; it is moderately drought tolerant but blooms and looks best with steady moisture. A moderate-water native that tolerates part shade; a butterfly larval host that adds soft warm-season bloom in filtered light.
How big does White Plumbago get?
Expect roughly 3 ft tall and 3 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 3 ft of spacing when planting. Non-aggressive, scrambling roots; safe near pools and paths.
Can you plant White Plumbago near a pool?
Yes. White Plumbago is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can White Plumbago handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
White Plumbago is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants partial shade. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11; an Arizona native tolerant of low-desert heat, freezing back in hard frost but resprouting reliably from the roots. Semi-evergreen, freezing back in a hard frost and resprouting; red buds open to cream flowers mainly in the warm season, drawing butterflies including its larval hosts.
Does White Plumbago have thorns?
No. White Plumbago is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is White Plumbago safe around pets?
White Plumbago is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does White Plumbago bloom in Arizona?
White Plumbago blooms in spring, with red buds/cream flowers. The bloom draws butterflies.
How much maintenance does White Plumbago need?
White Plumbago is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Head back the sprawling stems in late winter to keep it compact; it can look loose and rangy, so periodic light pruning maintains a tidy mound.
What kind of soil does White Plumbago need?
Well-drained soils with some organic matter; tolerates caliche and alkaline pH and prefers part shade. Nutrient needs are low. A light spring feeding supports growth in lean soil.
Is White Plumbago native to Arizona?
Yes. White Plumbago is native to Arizona and to the Southern Arizona, Mexico, Texas, Florida, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.