About

Ceratostigma willmottianum is a compact, deciduous shrub that features elongated leaves measuring up to 5 cm long, which transition to a red hue in the fall. Its flowers, approximately 2.5 cm across, are a deep blue and appear in dense clusters at the tips of the branches.

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, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
1-1.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Native to
China, Tibet

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
Pruning
Pruning group 10
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews