Ceratostigma willmottianum Forest Blue ('Lice')
Chinese plumbago [Forest Blue]
A bushy, spreading deciduous shrub to 60cm tall, with lance-shaped leaves turning red in autumn, and small clusters of rich blue, plumbago-like flowers 2cm wide in late summer and autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Plumbaginaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Garden edging
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews
Get involved
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