This perennial makes a well-behaved and attractive groundcover.
Fast-growing but not invasive, leadwort is often used as agroundcoveror spreading perennial for the front of a bed.
As tulips, daffodils, andhyacinthsfinish blooming, leadwort emerges from the soil and unfurls new leaves.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
The plant’s glossy green leaves cover up the withering bulb foliage.
The purple-blue flowers of leadwort are pretty partners for yellow-flowered perennials such asyarrowandcoreopsis.
How and When to Plant Leadwort
Plant leadwort after the last average frost date in your location.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the nursery container.
Fill the hole and tamp down the soil.
Water it well and keep the soil moist until the plant is established.
Credit: Richard Hirneisen
Leadwort Care Tips
Leadwort does not require much care.
In suitable conditions, it grows fast and reaches its mature size within six months to one year.
Light
Plant leadwort in full sun or part shade.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Afternoon shade that protects the plant from the hot sun is best.
It is also not particular about soil pH and thrives in a range between 6.1 and 7.5.
Leadwort overwinters best when planted in well-drained soil; wet or boggy soil is particularly troublesome in winter.
Temperature and Humidity
Leadwort is marginally hardy in Zone 5.
The plant tolerates heat well and is not bothered by high humidity.
For the amount to use, follow product label directions.
Cut the stems back in the spring to make room for new growth.
Fill it with a combination ofpotting mixand compost.
Keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering and fertilization than inground plants.
Repot the plant to a large pot with fresh potting mix when it has outgrown its container.
Pests and Problems
Leadwort has no serious disease or pest problems.
It might get powdery mildew and mealybugs.
How to Propagate Leadwort
Division is the easiest way to propagate leadwort.
If the plant grows out of bounds, divide it in the spring, just after new growth emerges.
Dig up the entire roots and cut the clump into sections.
Replant the sections at the same depth as the original plant and backfill the planting with soil.
Keep the new plants well-watered until they have recovered from the transplant shock and you see new growth.
The wispy bunches of flowers develop along the stems in midsummer to early fall.
Silvery bluebeard foliage adds a little extra shine to the landscape.
Most small-cup daffodils bear only one flower per stem.
Blooms may be yellow, white, pink, or bicolor, and some are fragrant.
Daffodils make good cut flowers.
Plants may be full-size or miniature.
All varieties in this class are deer- and rabbit-resistant.
Species Tulips
If you want long-lived tulips,pick the species types.
These include wild varieties and selections developed from those species.
Most are smaller in stature and bloom size than hybrid tulips.
Many multiply and spread from year to year.
Species tulips are especially suited for growing in rock gardens or tucked into beds and borders.
Many open only in sunny conditions, keeping their blooms closed on cloudy days or in the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition toC.
TheCeratostigmagenus comprises eight species that are native to Africa and Asia.
ThePlumbagogenus includes wild leadwort (Plumbago zeylanica), which is native to North America.
