Ceratostigma plumbaginoides aka Blue Leadwood
Taxonomy
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, also known as the hardy blue-flowered leadwort or 蓝雪花, is a low-growing herbaceous perennial native to Western China. It forms a mat of stems with oval leaves that turn red or purple in autumn. This plant grows up to 50 cm tall and broad, producing bright blue flowers in late summer and early autumn. Its Latin specific epithet, plumbaginoides, indicates its resemblance to plants in the Plumbago genus. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is valued for its late-season color and is grown as an ornamental plant in temperate climates. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10 °C but prefers a sunny, sheltered position in moist, well-drained soil. However, due to its invasive nature, it is often cultivated in pots or crevices in dry stone walls. This plant has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Common names
Blue Leadwood, Leadwort, Hardy LeadwoodHow to care for Blue Leadwood
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Blue Leadwood is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Blue Leadwood should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Blue Leadwood loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Blue Leadwood thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Hardy Leadwood.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Blue Leadwood plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Region of origin
Blue Leadwood’s native range is E. Asia - W. China.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Ceratostigma Genus
