Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

Why Buy Me?

• Compact ground cover
• Beautiful blue flowers
• Red tinged foliage in autumn

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Best flowering and autumn colour occur in full sun, though it tolerates light shade. Too much shade may reduce bloom production and delay autumn foliage coloration.

Soil:
Well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Tolerates a range of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils as long as drainage is good. Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

Exposure:
Performs well in sheltered or moderately exposed locations. Hardy in USDA zones 5–9 (UK H5), tolerating cold winters once established. In colder climates, top growth may die back completely but regrows from roots in spring.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Drought-tolerant once established, though flowering and foliage colour improve with occasional deep watering during dry periods.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring or early autumn when soil moisture is sufficient and temperatures are mild.

Spacing:
Space 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart. Spreads by rhizomes to form a dense groundcover about 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) tall.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during the first season to establish a strong root system. Once established, water during prolonged dry spells. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed, but excessive feeding can reduce flowering.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. In early spring, cut back any dead stems to the ground to encourage new growth. Avoid pruning in autumn, as this can expose crowns to winter damage.

Propagation:
Propagate by division in spring or autumn, or by root cuttings. Can also be grown from seed, though this is less common in garden settings.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Slow to emerge, often not showing new growth until late spring. Keep marked in borders to avoid accidental removal.

Summer:
From mid to late summer, vivid cobalt-blue flowers appear above the foliage, attracting pollinators.

Autumn:
Glossy green leaves turn brilliant red and bronze, creating a striking contrast with the lingering blue flowers.

Winter:
Deciduous. Dies back to the ground in colder climates. In mild regions, some basal foliage may persist. Crown survives under mulch or leaf litter.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Not known to be invasive or aggressive despite spreading via rhizomes.

Garden Use:
Excellent as a groundcover, particularly on slopes, in rock gardens, under shrubs, or along borders and paths. Its late-season colour makes it a valuable plant for extending interest into autumn.

Companion Plants:
Combines well with Sedum, Aster, Rudbeckia, ornamental grasses, and low-growing shrubs. Also pairs beautifully with spring bulbs, filling in space as bulbs fade.

Transform your home and garden with the Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.