I live in Ibiza and we have had a hot summer, it is now 1st October
This is, likely, a case of just a little too much water! They are quite drought tolerant, though they benefit from watering. They do prefer a thorough dry out between waterings.
Treat with a mild fungicide, and give it a light pruning in Spring. Make sure to let it dry out down to a few inches between waterings, and it will likely recover.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/plumbago/growing-plumbago-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Plumbago loomed all summer with a few time of not-blooming. Now it has gone to seed. What to do? No photo available.
You can trim the seed heads, if you would like. Otherwise, there isn't much to do when caring for these shrubs. Here is an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/plumbago/growing-plumbago-plants.htm
Dear Gaerdening Knowhow, I wish to ask for your help. My outdoor, container-based plumbago (plumbago auriculata, cape leadwort) is finally growing well but still shows signs of problems. I have just re-potted it in acidic soil and added 10% sand to help with drainage, as I know that's important. I think I had been over-watering so now only watering once per week. It's quite hot and dry now (I live in Madrid, USDA Zone 9a) so I wonder if I should water it more. I have two queries and I'd be very grateful for your help! Firstly, new leaves are sometimes shrivelling and turning completely brown, like in first photo. What could be causing this? Secondly, there seems to be a fine white powder gathering on some of the leaves, like in second photo. Is this normal or could it be some kind of bacterial infection? The third photo is of the whole plant in its container... Once again, thanks so much for any help!
Unfortunately, none of the photos came through. I am unable to see the damage. Without treatment, bacterial infection from overwatering will carry over to the new soil.
It sounds like multiple infections. It would be hard to say which without seeing the damage, though. Fungicides will take care of the issue. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
This article will help you to care for Plumbago, properly:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/plumbago/growing-plumbago-plants.htm
I planted it in spring just as directions said. No frost or really cold water. it was beautiful. Suddenly it shed leaves and flowers and developed long seed type pods with actual seeds in them. is this normal. It is looking better now and seems to be coming back, slowly though. What should I do about the seed pods?
I suggest cutting off the seed pods as they will stop the blooms from coming.
I can't seam to make them well again, please help. Thank you!
Plumbagos are drought-tolerant plants, and they do not need watering more than twice a week during the warmer summer months. But, that is once they are established after a few years and not if your soil is sandy and drains too well. When the weather cools and fall begins, reduce watering to once per week. I suspect they may have gotten much bigger and need more water than before and with the recent heat waves, they are not getting sufficient soil moisture. Consider adding some mulch to help minimize soil moisture loss. Then ensure you water thoroughly until all the soil around the plants is moist. Water again when the soil feels dry or almost dry. Too much water logged soil can promote root issues. Browned leaves due to watering issues may take a while to leaf out during the hot summer months. Blue plumbago is best grown in slightly acidic soils that drain properly and have a light texture. If your soil is alkaline, consider amending it with some manganese sulfate. More info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/plumbago/growing-plumbago-plants.htm A soil assay of your garden soil may be useful and indicate nutrient deficiencies or toxicities.
ground.. I live at 2000 ft. and the snow doesn't stay on the ground more than a couple days.
You probably need to overwinter it in a container. You are on the edge of its hardiness zones of 9-11. You can bring it indoors and place it near a sunny window for the winter. Don't water as much as you do outside. And don't fertilize during the winter. Here is more on its care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/plumbago/growing-plumbago-plants.htm
Plumbago is large and sprawling and 7 yrs. old and used to be dark green and flower.
Unfortunately, your photos did not go through, so I am unable to give a good diagnosis. They are relatively disease resistant, which leads me to believe that it may have something to do with nutrient levels or moisture levels. I would suggest testing your soil, and making sure to water after the soil dries several inches on the top.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/plumbago/growing-plumbago-plants.htm