Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

Foliage color in August

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides turns a rich shade of bronze-red in fall.

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.

Available Sizes (Wholesale):

Product Profile

30ct Plug Tray

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

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Summer Early Fall Mid Fall

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Eclectic Rock Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Ground Cover

Origin:

Not Native to North America

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.

Ceratostigma

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30ct

Container:

Trade 1 Gallon Container

When to Plant:

Spring to late spring

Finish:

8-10 weeks

Growing Temperature:

55-65° F

Holding Temperature:

40-50° F

Soil PH:

5.8-6.5

EC (What is EC?):

2.0-3.0 pour through method

Fertility:

Low fertility needs, apply 50-75 ppm N via constant liquid feed. For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.

Vernalization:

Not required.

Pests & Diseases:

There are normally no major problems. Can be affected by thrips and spider mites. Pythium and Rhizoctonia are the primary fungal concerns.

Potting & Timing:

Use a moist, well-drained media with good aeration and waterholding capacity.

Moisture:

For potting soil use a commercial potting media. Water thoroughly, allowing growing media to dry out between waterings.

Planting Level:

Plant plug even with the soil line.

PGRs/Pinching:

Not typically required, responds well to Daminozide at 2500 ppm if needed.

Lighting:

Day neutral.

Awards

Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 1993

Missouri Botanical Garden Plants of Merit

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal Plant -- 2018

Fun Facts

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides produces chemicals that inhibit other plants' growth, which makes it a really successful groundcover. Since it prevents other plants' growth, the chemical in it (plumbagin) is being looked at for preventing the spread of some cancers.

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