Overview
Ceratostigma griffithii is a shrub in the genus Ceratostigma, part of the Plumbaginaceae family. Ceratostigma griffithii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and ground cover. It is native to Himalaya and W. China.
About
Ceratostigma griffithii is a small shrub in the Plumbaginaceae prized for its late-summer flowering from August to October. It originates from the Himalaya and western China. Plant in full sun to partial shade on well-drained, fertile soil that is neutral to alkaline, with moderate moisture. It tolerates sheltered to exposed situations and is rated H5 (hardy).
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
In the garden
Ceratostigma griffithii is a compact shrub native to the Himalaya and western China that produces its main display in late summer and early autumn. Flowers appear from August to October and are typically on show when many other shrubs have finished, extending seasonal colour into the autumn months. For cultivation place it in full sun or light shade on well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to alkaline pH and moderate moisture. It tolerates both sheltered and exposed sites and carries an H5 hardiness rating, meaning it is hardy in UK gardens where soils do not remain waterlogged. Avoid heavy, poorly drained positions. Use Griffith's plumbago at the front of mixed borders, in rock gardens or as a low ground cover where its flowering period can be appreciated. Its late-season blooms — often blue to red-purple in tone — sit well alongside late-flowering perennials and grasses, and a neutral-to-alkaline gravel or sharp sand mulch helps maintain the free-draining conditions it prefers. Its August to October flowering window makes it useful for bridging summer into autumn colour.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ceratostigma
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ceratostigma griffithii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, ground cover
- Native to
- Himalaya, W. China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ceratostigma griffithii
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; tolerates some drought once established.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings in summer, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ceratostigma griffithii?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; tolerates some drought once established.
Where is the best place to plant Ceratostigma griffithii?
Ceratostigma griffithii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Ceratostigma griffithii need?
Ceratostigma griffithii grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Ceratostigma griffithii?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Ceratostigma griffithii hardy in the UK?
Ceratostigma griffithii has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Ceratostigma griffithii?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, seed.
More in the Ceratostigma genus
- Ceratostigma minusDwarf Plumbago
- Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
- Ceratostigma willmottianumChinese plumbago
- Ceratostigma abyssinicum