Alphabetical Plant Listing

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Dwarf Plumbago)

Dwarf Plumbago, Blue Ceratostigma, Hardy Blue-Flowered Leadwort, Ceratostigma larpentiae, Plumbago larpentiae


An excellent garden species, award-winning Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Dwarf Plumbago) is a low-growing perennial forming an attractive mat of wiry stems clothed with oval, shiny, fresh green leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm). Emerging late in spring, they turn striking bronzy-red or purple in the fall. Blooming for weeks from mid-summer to mid-fall, clusters of rich gentian blue flowers, 3/4 in. across (2 cm), arranged in terminal heads, appear above the foliage. Dwarf Plumbago is hard to beat as a ground cover in sunny or partly shaded areas or as a plant to ramble over small rocks. Great for erosion control.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 9-12 in. tall (22-30 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). Plants spread by rhizomes to form large colonies in optimum growing conditions.
  • Performs best in full sun in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Does not tolerate wet and poorly-drained soils. Plants in zone 5 should be mulched.
  • Shear or mow before spring growth begins.
  • An excellent companion to spring bulbs, as the late-emerging foliage allows the bulbs to mature their leaves and then hides them as they die down. Grow under trees with open canopies or between shrubs.
  • Virtually pest free. Keep an eye out for powdery mildews.
  • Propagate by rooting softwood cuttings in spring or propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
  • Native to western China

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Heat Zones 4 – 9
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Ceratostigma - Plumbagos
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 9" – 1' (22cm – 30cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" (45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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By InfoFlowersPlants, Kathryn Roach, Shutterstock, Teddington Gardener

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Heat Zones 4 – 9
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Ceratostigma - Plumbagos
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 9" – 1' (22cm – 30cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" (45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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