Hardy Plumbago (Ceratostigma)
Perennial
- Tough-as-nails ground cover, perfect for difficult to grow sites!
- Whimsical blue flowers bloom late summer through fall.
- Lush, green foliage turns maroon with the seasons.
- Attracts butterflies, bees, & other pollinators.
- Zones 5-9, sun/part sun, 12" tall x 18" wide at maturity.
ZONE
EXPOSURE
HEIGHT
Description
Details
Common name: Plumbago, hardy plumbago, leadwort
Zone: 5 - 9
Sun exposure: Sun (> 6 hours sun) to part-sun (4-6 hours sun)
Height x width: 9-12" X 12-18"
Flower color: Gentian blue
Foliage color: Green
Season of interest: Late summer - early fall
Bloom time:Summer, fall
Features:Low flammability, heat tolerant, ground covers, fall color, deer resistant, container plants, best sellers, best for beginners
Uses: Accent, alpine and rock gardens, container gardening, edging, erosion control or embankment, ground cover, massing, slopes
How to Grow
Light: Sun (> 6 hours sun) to part-sun (4-6 hours sun)
Water: Average needs. Water during hot, dry periods.
Spacing: 1 to 1.5 feet
Fertilizing: Fertilizing is generally unnecessary but can be applied in early spring if desired.
Winterizing: It would benefit from an extra layer of mulch for protection, especially in colder zones.
Maintenance & pruning: Spreads by rhizomes and can be somewhat aggressive in optimum growing conditions. Cut back to the ground in autumn. It can divide in late autumn or after the last spring frost.
Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Simply update the values and the calculator will re-calculate accordingly. Spacing information can be found in the 'How to Grow' tab on each plant's page.
I received a very healthy beautiful plant. The packaging was very protective of the plant. I will definitely be back to purchase more from this shop.
My Plumbago arrived well wrapped and healthy. Planted them after giving them a couple of days to adapt and they are thriving. They will fill in the bare spots where other types of flowers failed in the bed and join the Plumbago plants I planted before. I’ve even seen some of their beautiful blue flowers! Never expected that this season. This plant does not disappoint! Works in sun and shade.
Always happy with my Great Garden purchases!
Plant died after two weeks in window to instill for planting.
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Hardy Plumbago is an excellent long-flowering ground cover shrub. Each plant in my order arrived healthy and still in bloom, albeit late in the season. Now into mid fall, the foliage has turned a cascade of beautiful colors. I highly recommend this plant for a part-shade ground cover, especially under trees or around larger bushes.
After 6 weeks, doing very well!
Planted the 2 Hardy Plumbago at the edge of the crape Myrtle branches so it will get some shade in the hot summer and more sun when the sun sits lower in the southern sky. They transplanted great - am excited to see what they do next year.
I am thrilled with the Plumbago Plants that I purchased. I am so very much looking forward to the Spring to see how everything comes back!
arrived real fast and looking healthy.
they had been pruned so that all energy goes to the roots.
I have some plumbago already and love them. these were planted today with biotone in the hole for root growth. watered in and nice rains coming. for anyone new to this plant, they are very slow to show up in the spring. Give them time and you will be pleased.
Came in great shape. Thank you. 👍🏻
I received very healthy and thriving plants.
Thanks so much
Nice size for a plug. 3 plugs were almost no plant at all. Just dirt and a dead sprout. So far the rest are ok after planting.
I’m moving and wanted to make sure I had this plant in my next garden. Love love the electric blue flowers. I live in Iowa southeast and it does well . Very hardy plants just cover in late fall after flowering with pine needles. Perfect
Beautiful, hardy plants!!!
Healthy, well-packed plants. They are doing well.
Shared with a friend and we both love the plants.
Plants arrived super quickly, in great shape and well packed. I’m very happy with the purchase and I highly reccomend.
Came quickly and in great shape
Followed the planting instructions and all the plants are doing well, a few have actually bloomed. Both orders of this ground cover are adding to my landscape and the deer do not eat them!
Hardy Plumbago (Ceratostigma)
I love Plumbago! I originally bought these for a friend's garden but ended up keeping them for myself. I have moved them 2 or 3 times due to new landscaping in my garden. Each time I worried about killing them (last minute moves, no site prep, etc.) They have survived all my neglect and come back beautifully each year. I strongly recommend Plumbago to anyone who needs a ground cover, or wants some extra color in the garden. The beautiful flowers plus the great fall color can't be beat.
My Plumbago is beginning to bloom. I enjoy it
I’ve not had the chance to plant yet but these plants seem to have arrived healthy.
I was nervous about this little guy when I planted him. I planted in the fall when it wasn't active and I thought that it had died completely. I'm so excited that it isn't just alive, but looks healthy and strong. Can't wait to see what show it puts on.
The plumbago plants were well packaged and arrived in good shape. They have doubled in size and bloomed already and are still blooming today on September 29. This was a great purchase and I plan to do more purchasing through Great garden plants!
I have always wanted to get some plumbago but never find it locally. Was thrilled to get my order from you. It has already bloomed and it's only been in the ground a few weeks! Love love love it!
I love the cheerful Plumbago plants.
I have loved this plant for years and this delivery today is healthy and beautiful. The transit time was quick and there was no damage at all.
Thank you!
In the ground and doing GREAT!