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Hardy Plumbago (Ceratostigma)

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

$6.99
$6.99 $9.99
per Plant - 2.5" Pot
Sale | Save 30%
ZONES  5-9 | Good to grow! Zone
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• Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Hardy Plumbago) boasts a profuse display of beautiful true blue blooms followed by striking burgundy foliage in fall
• An outstanding groundcover, C. plumbaginoides tolerates foot traffic, and performs equally well in full sun or dry shade. Plant under shrubs and trees where grass is sparse
• Easy to grow and adaptable, this long-lived perennial thrives in a wide range of soil types (including clay). It is low-maintenance, drought tolerant, and virtually pest free
• Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit recipient

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Description

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).

Planting & Care

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.

Shipping

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 fall-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and fall-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your Growing Zone. Perennial and fall-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 at (801) 769-0300 or contact us by email or chat.

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Key Features

Light Requirements

  • Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade
  • Full Shade
  • Full Sun

Water Tolerance

Low-Water

Bloom Time

Early to mid fall

Advantages

  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Attracts Hummingbirds
  • Groundcover
  • Mass Plantings
  • Long Bloom Time
  • Naturalizes
  • Easy To Grow
  • Container Planting
  • Erosion Control
  • Deer Resistant

Additional information

Mature Height

6-8" tall

Mature Spread

18" wide

Soil Type

  • Average Soil
  • Clay Soil
  • Compost Enriched Garden Loam Soil
  • Sandy Soil

Soil Moisture

  • Waterwise

Planting Time

  • Spring / Summer

Growing Zones

  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9

Neonicotinoid Free

Yes

Can Send To PO Box

No

Ships to Hawaii & Alaska

No

Overall rating: 4.4722223 / 5 from 36 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Hardy Plumbago is a versatile groundcover ideal for shady areas, offering beautiful blue flowers and vibrant burgundy-red fall foliage. It thrives in various soil types and can handle occasional foot traffic, making it a popular choice for garden expansion.

Summary topics

  • Plant Quality: 44%
  • Flower Beauty: 27%

Review topics: ["color","look","buy","plant","flowers","hardy","ground cover","blooms","conditions","starter"].

Review highlights

  • "So far, a great ground cover with vibrant blue blooms at a time of the year when lots of plants are fatigued." — Lulu
  • "Very healthy plants that look great in the heat of summer, and beautiful bronze foliage in fall." — Gardenlvr
  • "Is green and blooming beautiful blue flowers." — Melanie

Reviews

I am so happy with

"I am so happy with my purchase. Love the way they were packaged in shipping. I planted them right away and they are in Full Bloom! Very pleased 👌"

— Vanessa K. (5/5)

I bought four and only

"I bought four and only one looked DOA as the stem had broken off completely. The roots were not as good as I am used seeing in previous deliveries but I think at least the three good ones may be able to survive."

— Sabrina M. (3/5)

Ever faithful

"Beautiful and so blue! Blooming faithfully despite the great drought with deep green leaves. A favorite for sure. Great ground cover or rock garden species. Ordering more while it's on sale."

— Sharon (5/5)

Second order placed

"I planted a few of these this spring. They are now 3 - 4 times their original size and full of blooms. All in a few months. So far, a great ground cover with vibrant blue blooms at a time of the year when lots of plants are fatigued. They are doing so well, in full sun with no supplemental water, I just placed an order for 15 more. A great solution for a difficult area. Thank you High Country for sending such healthy well packaged plants!"

— Lulu (5/5)

Fingers crossed

"Fingers crossed that they all make it. They arrived green, healthy and some were even blooming. They, unfortunately, were delivered in drought and heat wave. Hoping that they can take root before winter."

— Rosie (3/5)

Slow to take off,but can't wait till spring when they will b

"Slow to take off"

— Boo (4/5)

Your Plumbago's are grown in the SW.

"As a ground cover for focal points in grouping. When perennials begin to fade is when the Plumbagos shine"

— Sammie (5/5)

Lovely Groundcover and Beautiful Blooms

"I have a raised planter bed that's home to some palo verde seedlings and wanted to add some ground cover for color and variety. I got a pair of the Hardy Plumbago and both arrived healthy and well-packaged. They have been in the ground for almost a month and are thriving in their chosen spot based on the provided care requirements and both have started to bloom. #sweepstakes"

— TXGardener (5/5)

The Blue Plumbago arrived looking hale and hearty!

"The plants have been in the ground only 2 short weeks of very cool weather! They are wonderfully healthy and are growing. It is too soon to talk about bloom and summer heat. However, I am very impressed with all plants I have received from High Country. Nothing has even been wilted om arrival! I will be ordering from High Country again and passing the good results along."

— Gma (5/5)

Arrived healthy

"It's very difficult to grow flowers here in this hot, arid climate, at 7000 ft. I am hopeful for these flowers. My neighbor has some beautiful ones. I recently planted these and they are growing. Very pleased so far."

— Lacy (4/5)

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