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Herbaceous Perennial

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

hardy blue-flowered leadwort

A low-growing, mat-forming herbaceous perennial with spreading roots, bearing oval-shaped green leaves turning red or purple in the autumn. Clusters of rich blue flowers appear from late summer

Other common names
blue ceratostigma
Synonyms
Plumbago larpentiae
Ceratostigma larpentiae
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Blue Red Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Plumbaginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Ceratostigma can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or herbaceous perennials, with simple leaves which usually colour well in autumn, and short terminal or axillary spikes of salver-shaped blue flowers in late summer and autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by rooting softwood cuttings in spring or propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

Cut back to ground level any shoots that get frost damaged

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews

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