Ceratostigma plumbaginoide

Blue Leadword
Ceratostigma plumbaginoide

Height: 20-30 cm

Width: 45-60 cm

Zone: 5

Exposure: Sun to Part Shade

Bloom time: Late Summer to Fall

This plant is most often grown as a groundcover or edging plant along the front of a border. Foliage makes a low green mound through the summer, bursting into colour in August, when the brilliant blue starry flowers appear. As summer turns to fall, the whole plant begins to turn shades of bright scarlet and finally maroon red. Allow it room to spread, as plants want to form a patch by making underground stolons. In Zones 5 to 6 plants should be mulched in late fall for winter protection. Very late to come up in the spring, so be patient. Attractive to butterflies. Tolerates heat and humidity. 

Photo and description courtesy of Heritage Perennials