Hardy Plumbago (Ceratostigma)

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Hardy Plumbago) a remarkable groundcover. It is an exceptional choice for shady areas, especially under trees and shrubs. It also grows in part and full sun, and thrives in most soils, including clay, testaments to the plant’s versatility as a long-lived piece of the garden fabric. Gardens all over the country can enjoy the profuse display of true blue flowers followed by striking burgundy-red fall foliage.
Zones5 - 9
Advantages
attract-butterflies
Attract Butterflies
attract-hummingbirds
Attract Hummingbirds
hcg-deer-resistant-icon
Deer Resistant
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Groundcover
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Great For Mass Plantings
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Extended Bloom Time (more than 4 weeks)
multiplies--naturalizes
Multiplies / Naturalizes
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Easy To Grow
containers
Good For Containers
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Good For Erosion Control
Light Requirements
full-sun
Full Sun
morning-sun--afternoon-shade
Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade
full-shade
Full Shade
Water Tolerance
Low-Water
Mature Height 6-8" tall
Mature Spread18" wide
Bloom TimeEarly to mid fall
Shipping DetailsShipping begins the week of August 28th, 2023 Learn More…
SKUHC016109

USDA Hardiness Planting Zones

To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.

  • If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15°F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will survive the winter temperatures in your area.
  • If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. The lack of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest).

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Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Hardy Plumbago) is an exceptional groundcover that is especially useful in shady areas. It’s an excellent choice for planting under large shrubs and trees where grass is sparse, and it also grows in part sun and full sun, making it a popular choice to repeat throughout the garden. This groundcover is also very adaptable in its soil preference, growing well in a wide range of soils, including clay. Ceratostigma slowly expands to spread its reach. Large, colorful patches of showy, low-growing, foliage is topped by true-blue flowers in early fall, which are then followed by remarkable burgundy-red fall foliage. Hummingbirds quickly learn that the trumpet-shaped flowers hold lots of nectar and constantly sip on them. It can tolerate occasional foot traffic. A flat of 32 plants will cover 48 square feet when planted together. (Cutting propagated).

More Information
Associated SKUsHC016109
HC013995 (Plant - 2.5" Pot)
HC015671 (Tray of 32)
Common Name
Hardy Plumbago
Botanical Name
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade, Full Shade
Flower Color
Blue
Mature Height
6-8" tall
Mature Spread
18" wide
Bloom Time
Early to mid fall
Ships As
Potted Plant
Soil Type
Average Soil, Sandy Soil, Clay Soil, Compost Enriched Garden Loam Soil
Soil Moisture
Waterwise
Advantages
Attract Butterflies, Attract Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Great For Mass Plantings, Extended Bloom Time (more than 4 weeks), Multiplies / Naturalizes, Easy To Grow, Good For Containers, Good For Erosion Control
Ideal Region
Anywhere In The US, Northeast, Midwest, West, Southwest, Pacific Northwest
Planting Time
Spring / Summer, Fall
Neonicotinoid Free
Ships To Canada
No
Planting Guides
Plumbago (also commonly known as Leadwort) is an easy to grow groundcover well suited for average, medium and well-drained soils. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is suited for full sun or part shade, but will perform best with afternoon shade in hot climates. Plumbago spreads by rhizomes and can be somewhat aggressive in optimal growing conditions. It can cause contact dermatitis if skin is exposed to vesicles. It is advisable to wear gloves when pruning the plant. The plant goes dormant in winter, leafing out in spring; in USDA zone 5 we recommend adding a winter mulch.
View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.
Shipping
ZoneShipping Status
Zone 2Shipping begins the week of August 28th, 2023
Zone 3Shipping begins the week of August 28th, 2023
Zone 4Shipping begins the week of August 28th, 2023
Zone 5Shipping begins the week of September 4th, 2023
Zone 6Shipping begins the week of September 11th, 2023
Zone 7Shipping begins the week of September 18th, 2023
Zone 8Shipping begins the week of September 25th, 2023
Zone 9Shipping begins the week of October 2nd, 2023
Zone 10Shipping begins the week of October 9th, 2023

As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat.  The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and spring-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and spring-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your hardiness zone. Perennial and spring-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service toll-free at (800) 925-9387 or contact us by email.

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