Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides photo courtesy of Walters Gardens

Plumbago, Leadwort

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is an excellent groundcover with late summer and fall interest. The green foliage of summer takes on beautiful bronzy red tones in fall. Brilliant gentian blue flowers are produced from late summer until the first hard frost. Although it is listed as a zone 5 plant it is hardy for us in most winters.

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is a versatile groundcover that will grow in sun or partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions but appreciates regular watering in periods of drought. It is generally considered hardy only to Zone 5 so locate it in a sheltered site and provide a winter mulch for protection. It goes completely dormant in the winter and leafs out only after the ground warms up so mark its location to avoid disturbing it during spring clean up.

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