Blue plumbago

Quick to spread and showstoppingly beautiful in autumn, this shade-loving perennial belongs in every garden seeking multiseason appeal. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Blue Plumbago, has bright blue blooms and rich burgundy-red fall foliage that are simply too brilliant to miss.

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Blue Plumbago, is a late bloomer in two ways: first, it emerges late in spring, leafing out long after most other plants are underway; and second, it literally begins flowering late in the season. The first blooms will open in late summer in most climates, becoming more profuse as the temperature falls with the arrival of autumn. Soon they are joined by mahogany accents as the rich green leaves of this perennial turn deep shades of red for fall.

This is a gently spreading, low-growing perennial, never pushy or invasive, yet managing to fill in empty space nicely and always look full and fresh. Just 8 to 12 inches high, it reaches 12 to 18 inches wide, and is very easy to care for. Temperature extremes, poor soil, and even drought do not bother it: all Blue Plumbago really asks is good soil drainage and a bit of shade.

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Blue Plumbago, makes a fine groundcover, edging, woodland garden standout, and accent in the perennial or shrub border. It pairs well with fall-blooming plants, and is a good succession planting to many summer perennials. Give it a try this season, and we predict you will be back for more plants next year. Such rich, gentle beauty is hard to find in the garden—and such low maintenance is highly prized.