Ceratostigma Willmottianum Chinese Plumbago

Ceratostigma Willmottianum is a pretty deciduous shrub that holds the RHS AGM. It has blue flowers, rich autumn colours and suits most gardens.

Ceratostigma Willmottianum is native to China and Tibet hence its more common name Chinese Plumbago. It’s an attractive, no fuss little shrub that suits containers and garden borders. Foliage emerges in spring from the well-branched framework. The leaves are green and lance-shaped measuring up to 5 cm in length. After the foliage, five-petalled rich blue flowers appear in dense terminal clusters. The flowers are a good size measuring up to 2.5 cm across. In Autumn the mid-green leaves mature into fiery autumnal shades of ruby red, buttery yellow and bright orange before falling with the frosts. Many people buy Chinese Plumbago for its autumn foliage.

Height and Spread of Ceratostigma Willmottianum
Chinese Plumbago is a naturally small shrub that grows wider than its height. It reaches a maximum height of 0.5 -1 metre and spreads over 1 – 1.5 metres over 5-10 years.

How Hardy Is Ceratostigma Willmottianum
Hardy through most of the UK, Chinese Plumbago resists frosts and winds and will tolerate drought once established. It is rarely bothered by pests.

How To Use Ceratostigma Willmottianum
Chinese Plumbago is a hardy shrub for many areas. Its low height and spreading nature make it particularly suitable for slopes, banks, and other low maintenance areas. It suits urban gardens as it doesn’t get too big and its pretty flowers add interest to a cottage garden mixed border.

You can grow Chinese Plumbago in a well-watered container to brighten up a patio or decking if it’s well watered in hot spells.

How To Care For Ceratostigma Willmottianum
Plant Chinese Plumbago in moist but well-drained soil. It grows well in acid to chalky conditions so long as it isn’t water-logged. For the best flowers plant out in full sun or partial shade.
This tough and little pretty shrub doesn’t need pruning, but you can cut it back to maintain shape or height in the dormant season. Apply a thick layer of mulch in spring to lock in moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients for a flush of blue flowers.