Plumbago europaea aka European Leadwort

Plumbago europaea, or European leadwort, belongs to the Plumbaginaceae family. This perennial comes from the Mediterranean region and extends eastward. Its native range reaches Iran and Turkmenistan. It occurs in southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Kew places it within the subtropical climate zone. Wild sites include dry rocks, hills, coastal sands, and roadsides.

Plants reach about 3.3 feet [1 metre] in height. Growth lasts for more than one year. The available species account records flowers in September. Each flower has both male and female organs. The evidence gives no species-level detail about flower colour or fruit. It also provides no firm description of leaves or stems. The RHS page describes these features only for the wider genus.

Choose a sunny site with soil that drains well. Sandy soil suits this plant, as does a gritty mix. It needs full sun and does not suit shade. Soil may be mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. The plant accepts either dry or moist ground. PFAF lists beds and sites beside walls as growing places. These include walls facing east, south, or west. Such settings match its need for light and good drainage.

Reports of cold tolerance need care when planning outdoor planting. PFAF lists USDA zones 5–9 and a UK zone of 6. Yet it also cites poor hardiness in Britain. That account says growers there often keep it in greenhouses. The supplied evidence does not resolve this difference. Sow seed under glass in spring to raise new plants. Keep seedlings under glass through at least their first winter. Plant them out once the expected late frosts have passed. Basal shoot cuttings offer another way to raise plants in spring.

PFAF records no food uses and gives edibility zero out of five. It describes past medicinal use of the whole plant, chiefly the root. Reported effects include vomiting, increased saliva, and skin blistering. The root also has a history of use for toothache. These records do not establish that home treatment is safe. Although its hazard entry lists none known, that is not proof of safety. PFAF records no other uses and flags no weed potential.