White Pumbago
Plumbago zeylanica
Last reviewed: August 2026
White Pumbago (Plumbago zeylanica) is a perennial forb native to AZ, FL, TX. It blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. The flowers draw butterflies.

Toxicity unknown
White Pumbago (Plumbago zeylanica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 36"–120" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AZ, FL, TX
Pollinators
butterflies
Native alternatives to White Pumbago
White Pumbago is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
White Plumbago is a low-growing perennial with small white flowers that bloom from spring through fall. This spreading groundcover can reach up to 10 feet wide, making it excellent for covering large areas with minimal maintenance.
Growing White Pumbago
Grow White Pumbago in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 36 to 120 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
White Pumbago takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.
- Spread too large for structured beds
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for butterflies throughout most of the growing season. The extended flowering makes it a reliable pollinator plant from March through November.
Common questions
- When does white plumbago bloom?
- White plumbago produces clusters of white flowers from March through November, with flowering often continuing as long as warm weather lasts.
- Does white plumbago attract pollinators?
- Yes, its tubular white flowers are visited regularly by butterflies seeking nectar.
- How much light and water does white plumbago need?
- It grows best in part sun with medium moisture, though established plants can handle brighter light and drier soil once rooted in.
- What kind of habitat does white plumbago prefer?
- It does well in warm, humid climates with sandy or well-drained soils, often growing along woodland edges, scrub, and disturbed open ground.
- Is White Pumbago HOA-friendly?
- White Pumbago takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow White Pumbago? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz


