Overview
Ceratostigma abyssinicum is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ceratostigma, part of the Plumbaginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ceratostigma abyssinicum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, mediterranean climate plants, low maintenance, banks and slopes, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Ceratostigma abyssinicum is a bushy, deciduous cultivar within the Ceratostigma genus, which includes both evergreen and deciduous shrubs as well as herbaceous perennials. This plant thrives in fertile, well-drained soil under full sun or partial shade and is hardy to UK zone H4. It produces simple leaves that often show vibrant autumn colours and bears short spikes of salver-shaped blue flowers in late summer and autumn. Suitable for a variety of garden settings, it adapts well to different soil types and aspects, making it a versatile choice for borders, courtyards, and gravel gardens.
About the genus
Ceratostigma (;), or leadwort, plumbago, is a genus of eight species of flowering plants in the family Plumbaginaceae, native to warm temperate to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Common names are shared with the genus Plumbago.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ceratostigma", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ceratostigma
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ceratostigma
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Ceratostigma abyssinicum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ceratostigma abyssinicum
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ceratostigma abyssinicum?
Ceratostigma abyssinicum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ceratostigma abyssinicum need?
Ceratostigma abyssinicum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Ceratostigma abyssinicum hardy in the UK?
Ceratostigma abyssinicum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Ceratostigma abyssinicum?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Ceratostigma genus
- Ceratostigma griffithiiGriffith's plumbago
- Ceratostigma minusDwarf Plumbago
- Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
- Ceratostigma willmottianumChinese plumbago
