Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
hardy blue-flowered leadwort
A low-growing herbaceous perennial with spreading roots, forming a mat of stems bearing oval leaves which turn red or purple in autumn. Clusters of rich blue flowers from late summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue | Purple Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Plumbaginaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Ceratostigma can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or herbaceous perennials, with simple leaves which usually colour well in autumn, and short terminal or axillary spikes of salver-shaped blue flowers in late summer and autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by rooting softwood cuttings in spring or propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Cut back to ground level any shoots that get frost damaged
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews
Get involved
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