Overview
Ceratostigma willmottianum is a deciduous shrub in the genus Ceratostigma, part of the Plumbaginaceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Ceratostigma willmottianum grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, ground cover and rock gardens. It is native to China and Tibet.
About
Ceratostigma willmottianum is a deciduous shrub that reaches about 1.0 m and is noted for its late-season pale blue flowers. It flowers from August to October as its leaves begin to turn red. It prefers a sunny position in sandy or loamy, well-drained soil. Suitable uses include borders, ground cover and rock gardens.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ceratostigma willmottianum
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 willmottianum is a deciduous shrub native to China and Tibet, carrying pale blue flowers in late summer and autumn (August to October) while the foliage moves into red tones. It typically reaches around 1.0 m high and belongs to the Plumbaginaceae family. Plant it in full sun on sandy or loamy soil that drains freely but can retain some moisture; descriptions note it does best where the soil is moist but well drained. In the UK it is rated H6, which equates to very hardy, and it also falls within USDA zones 6–9. Avoid waterlogged sites and give a sunny aspect so flowers develop reliably in the August–October window. Use Ceratostigma willmottianum at the front of mixed borders, as low ground cover across a sunny slope, or tucked into rock gardens where its autumn blue flowers and red-tinted leaves can be read at close range. At roughly 1.0 m tall it fits where a compact, seasonally vivid shrub is required; the contrast of pale blue blooms against reddening foliage is particularly effective in late-season displays.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ceratostigma
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Ceratostigma willmottianum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- deciduous shrub
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- borders, ground cover, rock gardens
- Native to
- China, Tibet
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ceratostigma willmottianum
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; tolerates some shade; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Prune in early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood
- Propagation
- Propagation by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ceratostigma willmottianum?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; tolerates some shade; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Ceratostigma willmottianum?
Ceratostigma willmottianum prefers full sun.
What soil does Ceratostigma willmottianum need?
Ceratostigma willmottianum grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Ceratostigma willmottianum?
Prune in early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
How big does Ceratostigma willmottianum grow?
Ceratostigma willmottianum reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Ceratostigma willmottianum hardy in the UK?
Ceratostigma willmottianum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Ceratostigma willmottianum?
Propagation by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by seed.
More in the Ceratostigma genus
- Ceratostigma griffithiiGriffith's plumbago
- Ceratostigma minusDwarf Plumbago
- Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
- Ceratostigma abyssinicum