About
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is a low, spreading perennial that forms a dense mat through its extensive root system. Its oval green leaves transition to shades of red or purple as autumn approaches. From late summer, it produces clusters of vibrant blue flowers.
About the genus
Ceratostigma encompasses both evergreen and deciduous shrubs, as well as herbaceous perennials. The plants feature simple leaves that typically display vibrant autumn colors. In late summer and autumn, they produce short spikes of salver-shaped blue flowers that can emerge from the ends of branches or the leaf axils.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- China
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level any shoots that get frost damaged
- Propagation
- Propagate by rooting softwood cuttings in spring or propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews