Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

Award-winning Plumbago is an aggressively spreading low, horizontal, herbaceous perennial ground cover. A native of China, in its natural habitat, the plant can often be found in rocky places and foothills. Leaves have a beautiful bronze-red fall color, which contrasts beautifully with the sky blue flowers and forms a very attractive ground cover.  However, the leaves do fall in the winter. Flowers resemble those of woodland phlox. Plumbago typically grows 6 to 8 inches tall on generally erect stems rising from the rhizomes. This plant is resistant to damage by deer. The genus name comes from the Greek words keras meaning a horn and stigma from the hornlike projection on the stigma of the flower.

Use as an under planting to shrubs or large perennials or with perennials that bloom early.  Plumbago will fill in the void left by spent perennials.  Its trailing, spreading habit make it a great choice as a spiller in a 'Thriller, Filler, Spiller' container.

It produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of weeds and other unwanted plants, which makes it an excellent choice as a ground cover.  

Plumbago will do well in sandy and loamy soils. It prefers well-drained, dry or slightly moist soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. It grows in full sun or partial shade and appreciates some afternoon shade on hot summer days, but cannot grow in full shade. To winter over in cooler climates, provide a light winter mulch. Plant it in rocky areas in full sun. Space plants 10 to 16 inches apart when you plant. The plant has an aggressive root system and can spread freely, however is not considered invasive.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No diseases or insect issues.  Powdery mildew is an occasional issue as well as Citrus mealybug.

Contact to this plant can cause contact dermatitis.  Caution should be used when pruning, protective gloves should be worn.  

Under the right conditions, it can spread aggressively.  

When growing in Zone 5, ensure to use a mulch in the fall to protect from freezing temperatures.