Looking for a great drought tolerant groundcover? Look no further. Hardy plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) has it all. Native to Western China where it is often found in rocky foothills. It has bright deep blue 3/4″ blooms in clusters with red russet buds and Yellow-green to mid green leaves that with frost turn a beautiful burgundy-red in fall. A long lived perennial that blooms from early summer to fall and will repeat bloom if mowed or pruned after the first bloom. It tolerates full sun to full shade! It needs little water once established but will enjoy regular watering. Butterflies, and Hummingbirds love the blossoms. The foliage rises about 6-8″ tall and will spread to 3′ or more over time. Good as a groundcover between shrubs. Spreads by rhizomes, but fairly easy to yank out or prune to keep it in bounds. It can be mown and it will come back easily. Grows well in full sun or under a favorite tree. It is highly adaptable and versatile. Tolerant of most soils including clay. It is a deciduous plant but with a short leafless period. You can usually find it at local nurseries in a 4″ pot. It is the smaller cousin of the sky-blue larger Cape Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) which grows 6-10 feet tall.
