Ceratostigma willmottianum
Chinese plumbago, Leadwort
- Height × spread
- 1m × 1.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Generally available in Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A delightful small shrub of herbaceous appearance, this has pretty light green leaves, somewhat diamond-shaped and enlivened by reddish stalks. In July or August the plant produces rounded, cornflower blue flowers which last right into autumn when they sit alongside the purple autumnal tints of the foliage. This is well suited to a warm sunny spot against a wall and it is good sited by a house since it has such a long season of interest.
- Flower colour
- Blue
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Purple
- Stem colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Mediterranean garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Deer resistant, Butterfly attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Prune young growth
Remove the flower and most of the young growth that the plant has made in the previous season. Leave just around 2 centimetres of young growth on the plant. Don't cut into old wood unless it is diseased or damaged.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Found in
More Ceratostigma
Ceratostigma
Hardy plumbago, Shrubby plumbago
Ceratostigma griffithii
Burmese plumbago
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
Autumn flowering shrubby plumbago
Ceratostigma willmottianum Desert Skies = 'Palmgold'
Chinese plumbago, Leadwort
Ceratostigma willmottianum Forest Blue = 'Lice'
Chinese plumbago, Leadwort
Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Sapphire Ring'
Chinese plumbago