Plumbago are in the plant brute category and may dominate plants grown near them. Once established plumbago is very water wise and can take drought conditions. Deer, rabbits and pest insects steer clear. Butterflies like them.

Plumbago is used traditionally to treat warts, broken bones and wounds. It is taken as a snuff for headaches and as an emetic to dispel bad dreams. A stick of the plant is placed in the thatch of huts to ward off lightning.

The Plumbago, or “sky flower” is a conservatory plant. It will be happy in a conservatory, or a well-lit window or porch. In milder areas of the UK they will also be happy to spend the summer on a patio or balcony – but they are not hardy.