Ceratostigma

Ceratostigma (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides), commonly known as Dwarf Plumbago or Hardy Blue Plumbago, is a stunning low-growing perennial groundcover prized for its exceptional combination of vivid cobalt-blue flowers and brilliant autumn foliage color. From late summer through fall, a time when most perennials are winding down, Ceratostigma bursts into its finest display — covering itself in clusters of intense, true-blue flowers while the foliage simultaneously begins its transformation to glowing shades of bronze-red and burgundy. This rare combination of late-season bloom and brilliant fall color makes it one of the most uniquely valuable perennials for the four-season garden.

These Professional Grade 4" plants are grown to the highest nursery standards, delivering well-rooted specimens that establish readily and spread steadily to form dense, weed-suppressing mats. Ceratostigma thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to a wide range of soil types, including dry and rocky conditions. Its spreading rhizomatous habit makes it a natural choice for slopes, banks, front-of-border edging, and underplanting beneath deciduous trees and shrubs.

• Brilliant True-Blue Late-Season Blooms: Intense cobalt-blue flowers from late summer through fall fill a critical gap in the garden calendar when few other perennials are at their peak, providing vital late-season color.
• Spectacular Fall Foliage Color: Leaves transform to brilliant bronze-red and burgundy in autumn, providing a stunning simultaneous display of blue flowers against glowing red foliage — a truly exceptional seasonal combination.
• Tough & Adaptable Groundcover: Spreading rhizomatous habit forms a dense, weed-suppressing mat adaptable to a wide range of conditions including dry soil, rocky sites, and partial shade.
• Late-Season Pollinator Resource: True-blue flowers provide a critical late-season nectar source for bumblebees, native bees, and butterflies as other floral resources diminish in fall.
• Low Maintenance & Drought Tolerant: Once established, requires minimal supplemental irrigation and thrives with little ongoing care — an outstanding choice for low-maintenance landscape applications.

These 4" healthy live plants thrive in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Water regularly until established, then reduce to occasional deep watering. Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9; mature height 6–12 inches with a spread of 18–24 inches. Blooms late summer through fall (August–October). Cut back to the ground in late winter to encourage fresh, vigorous new growth each spring.