Overview
Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Forest Blue' is a deciduous shrub in the genus Ceratostigma, part of the Plumbaginaceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Forest Blue' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and ground cover. It is native to Western China and Tibet.
About
Ceratostigma willmottianum, Chinese plumbago, is a species of flowering plant in the family Plumbaginaceae that is native to western China and Tibet. It is an ornamental deciduous shrub that grows to 1 metre in height, with pale blue plumbago-like flowers appearing in autumn as the leaves start to turn red.
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
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 'Forest Blue' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Deciduous shrub
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, ground cover
- Native to
- Western China, Tibet
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Forest Blue'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates drought once established
- Pruning
- Prune in early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
- Propagation
- Propagation by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Forest Blue'?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates drought once established.
Where is the best place to plant Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Forest Blue'?
Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Forest Blue' prefers full sun.
What soil does Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Forest Blue' need?
Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Forest Blue' 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 'Forest Blue'?
Prune in early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
How big does Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Forest Blue' grow?
Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Forest Blue' reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Forest Blue' hardy in the UK?
Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Forest Blue' 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 'Forest Blue'?
Propagation by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by division.
