Family: Plumbaginaceae

This small genus of attractive perennial herbs or shrubs is native to Africa, India and China.

Species

C. plumbaginoides, zone 5, is an herbaceous perennial from China. Its oval, mid-green leaves colour orange and red in autumn and its deep blue flowers bloom in late summer.

C. willmottianum, zone 7, is a hardy, deciduous, spreading shrub, to 1 m (3 ft), mostly with mid-green leaves that turn purple or red in autumn and sky blue flowers from summer to autumn. It is a useful filler plant, being both decorative and hardy.

Cultivation

Ceratostigma does best in lighter soils, though it will grow in almost any type of soil. Plant in a sunny position in spring. Propagate by detached suckers in spring or autumn. Some species may be cut back by severe frost, but will shoot again from the base in spring. Do not cut dead shoots away until spring, as they serve to protect the new growth.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.