Cape Leadwort

Cape Leadwort (Plumbago auriculata Lam.) is a shrub-like, climbing evergreen plant, native to South Africa. It is fast-growing and reaches 4 metres in height easily. It stands out due to its pretty and abundant flowers, which are usually sky-blue although there are also dark blue and white varieties. Its flowers are sticky at the base and are shaped like jasmines, which explains why at times it is called “Blue Jasmine”. It was introduced to Europe in 1818 and has adapted perfectly to the growing conditions in the Alhambra and Generalife. Its flowering period lasts from June to early December, although here it behaves like a semi-persistent plant as it loses most of its leaves in winter. This is why the best and most vigorous specimens are found on south-facing walls such as those in the Casas del Partal (Partal Dwellings).