Ceratostigma willmottianum Forest Blue ('Lice')
Chinese plumbago [Forest Blue]
A bushy, spreading deciduous shrub to 60cm tall, with lance-shaped leaves turning red in autumn, and small clusters of rich blue, plumbago-like flowers 2cm wide in late summer and autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, °Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»åpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or ·¡²¹²õ³Ù–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Plumbaginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Ceratostigma can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or herbaceous perennials, with simple leaves which usually colour well in autumn, and short terminal or axillary spikes of salver-shaped blue flowers in late summer and autumn
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Garden edging
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews
Ceratostigma willmottianum Forest Blue ('Lice')
Chinese plumbago [Forest Blue]
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