Ceratostigma | Dwarf Plumbago - 

Native to the tropical regions of Africa and Asia, ceratostigma plumbaginoides is a showy, mat-forming perennial spreads beautifully to form a tight ground cover, keeping weeds out. Its foliage makes a low green mound through the summer while bursting into color in August, when the brilliant blue starry flowers appear.

This beautiful Dwarf plumbago features oval shaped, shiny, green leaves that turn to a beautiful, dark red shade in the fall that is hard to ignore. The late blooming blue flowers pop-up on the tips of its wiry branches adding depth to its sprawl allowing a beautiful new growth to burst out in spring. It can be planted as a border plant in a green bed or on a green roof as it’s absolutely fantastic both in dwarf and non-dwarf form.

Ceratostigma Plumbaginoides Care

It can easily grow in a wide variety of soils ranging from average, medium and well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It however, does not tolerate wet or poorly drained soils well. For optimal performance, it is best planted in hot summer climates as it may not be reliable in winter.

Plumbago in shade typically grows 6-10" tall on generally erect stems rising from the rhizomes. Oval to obviate, shiny, medium green leaves (up to 2" long) Spread slowly providing breathtaking drifts of color.  As the flowers fade, the autumn foliage takes center stage developing brilliant shades of red. It also features terminal clusters of 5-petaled, gentian blue flowers (1/2 to 3/4" diameter) that appear above the foliage over a long summer lasting up to frost bloom period. Dwarf Plumbago size will vary in spread as it can extend up to 2 feet.

This blue flowering ground cover is drought resistant, deer resistant and rabbit resistant, and attracts butterflies. It’s a great choice as a ground cover or edging plant along the front of a border. As summer turns to fall, the whole plant begins to turn shades of bright scarlet allowing it room to spread, as plants want to form a patch by making underground talons. They tend to be late to come up in the spring hence require patience. This plant is simply hearty and flashy and not simple to kill.