Perennials

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

Hardy plumbago

Also known as: Leadwort

Hardy plumbago in bloom. species photograph; Surrounding plants are not included.

Intense blue flowers contrast with foliage turning bronze-red in fall. A spreading groundcover that supplies color late in the season. Mulch in colder sites.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part shade
Mature size: Height: 6–8 in. · Spread: 10–20 in.; spreads over time
Water: Moderate; well drained
Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9
Bloom: Blue; late summer–fall.

Sizes & prices

#1$16.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Resistant, not browse-proof.
Drought: Handles dry sites; water in extended hot spells.
Wet soil: Avoid waterlogged soil.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Bronze-red fall color; dormant in winter.

Growing & care

Spring: Emerges late; mark its position before winter.
Division: Divide in spring.

Sources & photo credits

Walters Gardens

Photo: David J. Stang · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Hardy plumbago in bloom. species photograph; uncropped. Surrounding plants are not included.

Reviewed September 19, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.