Overview
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is a clump forming, bushy perennial in the genus Ceratostigma, part of the Plumbaginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, mediterranean climate plants, city and courtyard gardens, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and banks and slopes. It is native to China North-Central and China Southeast.
About
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, the hardy blue-flowered leadwort, is a species of flowering plant in the plumbago family, native to China, where it is known as 蓝雪花.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
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
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.4 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Banks and slopes
- Native to
- China North-Central, China Southeast
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Cut back in early spring to promote fresh growth and maintain shape.
- Propagation
- Rooting softwood cuttings in spring, Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ceratostigma plumbaginoides?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Ceratostigma plumbaginoides?
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ceratostigma plumbaginoides need?
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Ceratostigma plumbaginoides?
Cut back in early spring to promote fresh growth and maintain shape.
How big does Ceratostigma plumbaginoides grow?
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides reaches a height of 0.4 m.
Is Ceratostigma plumbaginoides hardy in the UK?
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides 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 plumbaginoides?
Rooting softwood cuttings in spring, Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
