Product Description
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Plumbago, Leadwort
A groundcover that provides interest in late summer, after many other perennials are finished blooming, Leadwort is hard to beat. The foliage is green during the summer, then turns a beautiful bronzy-red in fall. It provides the perfect backdrop for the brilliant gentian blue blooms which are present from late summer until the first hard frost.
Use Leadwort as an underplanting to shrubs or large perennials or allow it to ramble over small rocks. Any way you use it, Leadwort will be a dependable, long-lived perennial.
This versatile groundcover will grow in either full sun or part shade. Plants will perform better in partial shade in southern climates. Afternoon shade will result in more open plants that spread more freely. This plant is great for hot, dry places, but could use some water when really hot.
Leadwort goes completely dormant in the winter, and tends to leaf out late in the spring once it warms up, so be careful to remember where you have planted it. Planting before midsummer is highly recommended. Any divisions should be made in spring. Winter mulch in zone 5 is also recommended.
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 1993
Missouri Botanical Garden Plants of Merit
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal Plant -- 2018
Height: 8.0-12.0 Inches
Spread: 10.0-20.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Blue shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer - Mid Fall
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Ground Cover
A Late-Blooming Groundcover with Brilliant Blue Flowers
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, commonly known as hardy plumbago or leadwort, is a vigorous, mat-forming perennial groundcover that offers vibrant blue flowers and attractive foliage . Native to Western China , this plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9 . It is a popular choice for gardeners seeking late-season color and a low-maintenance groundcover solution.
Hardy plumbago typically grows 6 to 10 inches tall with erect stems rising from spreading rhizomes. Its oval to obovate, shiny, medium green leaves (up to 2 inches long) turn a beautiful bronze-red in autumn . The plant's most striking feature is its deep blue flowers, which bloom in terminal clusters from July to September . These gentian blue flowers, about 1/2 to 3/4 inches in diameter, resemble those of woodland phlox.
Hardy plumbago is relatively easy to grow and maintain. It prefers full sun to part shade, ideally with at least six hours of sunlight daily . While it can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, it performs best in average, medium, well-drained soil . In hot summer climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial.
This plant is fairly drought-tolerant once established . Regular watering is necessary during the first few weeks after planting, but once established, it can tolerate dry spells . However, it appreciates occasional watering during extended periods of heat . Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Landscaping Uses Hardy plumbago is a versatile groundcover with various applications in the landscape:
- Groundcover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for covering large areas, suppressing weeds, and adding texture and color to the garden.
- Underplanting: It can be used as an underplanting for shrubs or large perennials, adding late-season interest and filling in empty spaces.
- Edging: Its low-growing habit makes it suitable for edging walkways or garden beds.
- Rock Gardens: It can be used in rock gardens, where its vibrant blue flowers contrast beautifully with the stones.
- Border Fronts: Plant it at the front of borders to add a splash of late-season color.
Benefits and Considerations Hardy plumbago offers several benefits for gardeners:
- Late-Blooming: It provides color in late summer and fall when many other perennials have finished blooming.
- Attractive Foliage: Its green foliage turns bronze-red in autumn, adding another dimension of interest.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: It is generally free from serious pest and disease problems.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Spreading Habit: It can be somewhat aggressive in optimum growing conditions . Monitor its spread and divide it as needed to prevent it from overtaking other plants.
- Winter Hardiness: In colder zones (Zone 5), it may benefit from a light winter mulch.
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is a valuable addition to any garden, offering late-season color, attractive foliage, and low-maintenance care. Its vibrant blue flowers and spreading habit make it a versatile groundcover for various landscaping applications. With proper care and attention to its spreading tendencies, hardy plumbago will reward gardeners with years of beauty and enjoyment.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
