Overview
Ceratostigma minus is a perennial in the genus Ceratostigma, part of the Plumbaginaceae family. Ceratostigma minus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, rock gardens and borders. It is native to China.
About
Ceratostigma minus is a perennial in the Plumbaginaceae used as a low ground cover that flowers from August to October. Native to China, it suits positions in full sun or partial shade on well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. It prefers moderate soil moisture and tolerates sites from sheltered to exposed. Plant it into rock gardens, borders or to form a low carpet beneath taller plants.
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 minus is a perennial member of the Plumbaginaceae native to China and grown in the UK for its late-summer to autumn flowering (August to October). As a low, spreading plant it is commonly used where a compact ground cover or a neat edge is required and is often placed in rock gardens and borders. Give it a sunny or partly shaded spot with well-drained soil and a neutral to alkaline pH; it does best with moderate soil moisture rather than constant wetness. The species tolerates locations from sheltered to exposed and carries an H5 hardiness rating, meaning it is classed as hardy under typical UK conditions without special winter protection. Position plants where their flowering period extends interest after many summer perennials finish; they are effective between gravel paths, at the front of mixed borders or on a sunny rockery shelf. Established plants provide late-season blooms from August to October, which can help bridge into autumn colour in the garden.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ceratostigma
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ceratostigma minus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, rock gardens, borders
- Native to
- China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ceratostigma minus
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- division, semi-ripe cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ceratostigma minus?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Ceratostigma minus?
Ceratostigma minus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Ceratostigma minus need?
Ceratostigma minus grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Ceratostigma minus?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Ceratostigma minus hardy in the UK?
Ceratostigma minus 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 minus?
Division, semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Ceratostigma genus
- Ceratostigma griffithiiGriffith's plumbago
- Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
- Ceratostigma willmottianumChinese plumbago
- Ceratostigma abyssinicum