Ceratostigma plumbaginoides / Plumbago

Spreading by rhizones, plumbago makes an excellent groundcover around larger plants (it can overpower its smaller neighbors). Otherwise, it’s a trouble-free plant. Shown here at the foot of a butterfly bush.

Indigenous to China.

Details

• Flowers this vibrant blue in August and September.
• Grows to about a foot tall and wide.
• Full sun or morning sun with afternoon shade (best).
• Hardy in Zones 5-9. (Mulch well in Zone 5.)

Care

• When the new growth starts appearing in the late spring, remove the dead stems to the ground.
• Reasonably drought-tolerant, requiring extra watering during long periods of drought.
• Divide in spring, as needed, to keep it in bounds.