Alphabetical Plant Listing

Ceratostigma willmottianum (Chinese Plumbago)

Chinese Plumbago, Hardy Plumbago


An excellent garden species, award-winning Ceratostigma willmottianum (Chinese Plumbago) is a small deciduous shrub with gracefully arching, reddish-brown stems clothed with pretty, diamond-shaped, bristly green leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm) that turn bright red in the fall. Blooming for 6-8 weeks in late summer, clusters of rich cobalt-blue flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), arranged in dense terminal heads, contrast beautifully against the blazing foliage. They attract late-flying butterflies and hummingbirds in search of the last nectar before hibernation. The wiry stems and spent flower heads form a delicate silhouette in the winter garden. A most useful shrub for the late season garden, when many other flowers have gone over, Chinese Plumbago is perfect fronting bigger shrubs or as an element of a mixed planting.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall and wide (60-120 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soils. Resents sticky, wet conditions
  • Virtually pest free. Keep an eye out for powdery mildews.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Native to China, Tibet

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Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 9
Heat Zones 6 – 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Ceratostigma - Plumbagos
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spread 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spacing 24" – 48" (60cm – 120cm)
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 Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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By TMsara, Shutterstock

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 6 – 9
Heat Zones 6 – 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Ceratostigma - Plumbagos
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spread 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spacing 24" – 48" (60cm – 120cm)
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 Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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