Leadwort (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides): The Late-Blooming Blue Groundcover

Leadwort (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides), also called Hardy Blue Plumbago, is a standout perennial groundcover for its brilliant, true-blue flowers in late summer to fall—when most gardens are winding down—and its fiery autumn foliage.

Seasonal Highlights

Wiry stems form a loose mat 6–12 inches tall. Leaves are oval, glossy green, turning bronzy-red to burgundy in autumn—often while still flowering. From August to frost, clusters of 5-petaled, intense gentian-blue flowers (½ inch) open at stem tips. A rare, pure blue in the fall garden.

Taxonomy & Synonyms

• Family: Plumbaginaceae
• Genus: Ceratostigma
• Species: plumbaginoides
• Synonyms: Plumbago larpentae, Plumbago larpentiae

Garden Value

Full sun to part shade, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Spreads moderately by rhizomes. Emerges late in spring—mark its spot! Use in rock gardens, front of borders, and as an underplanting for spring bulbs (fills in as they fade). A brilliant late-season performer.