Ceratostigma griffithii: Burmese Plumbago

Ceratostigma griffithii, commonly called Burmese Plumbago, is a deciduous to semi-evergreen, low-spreading sub-shrub from the Himalayas and western China. It forms a mat of wiry stems with small, ovate, mid-green leaves that often turn brilliant shades of red and bronze in autumn. From late summer into autumn, it bears clusters of intense, deep gentian-blue, five-petaled flowers with a tubular base—a striking contrast to the coloring foliage.

Plant Profile

This plumbago prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and hardy in USDA zones 6-9. In colder zones, it may die back to the ground but resprouts from the base. It is excellent as a groundcover for banks, in rock gardens, at the front of borders, or cascading over walls. The combination of late blue flowers and autumn foliage color is exceptional.