Ceratostigma plumbaginoides ~ Leadwort, Dwarf Plumbago

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is native to a far tougher place than Southern California. Dwarf Plumbago is native to China. In a number of my gardens Ceratostigma has naturalized. The plants look pretty lousy if they don't get water, but will rebound within a couple of weeks of when water is applied. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is hardy to 0 degrees but will go dormant once temperatures drop much below freezing. I cut them to near the ground and interplant bulbs for a winter show. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides grows about a foot tall and spreads a foot or more each year. The Dwarf Plumbago can bloom from the last of Spring through Frost. The dark blue flowers are striking against the red of the bracts. If the plant is stressed the leaves redden, further adding to a beautiful contrast.