Blue Plumbago Plant

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

Nature Hills Nursery

Hardy Plumbago Blooms Late Summer Through Frost with Stunning Gentian Blue Flowers
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Showy Blue Blooms From Late Summer to Late Fall
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Great Choice for Mass Planting in Asian Gardens

$29⁵⁰

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Blue Plumbago thrives in at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily to produce its signature clusters of sky-blue flowers. While it tolerates partial shade, you will notice fewer blooms and a more leggy, sprawling growth habit compared to plants in full sun.
Soil: These plants prefer fertile, well-draining soil that mimics a forest floor. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost or peat moss to improve drainage, as "wet feet" can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Plumbago deeply twice a week to help the roots dive deep into the soil. Once established, this plant is remarkably drought tolerant, but inconsistent watering during high heat can cause the flower clusters to shrivel prematurely. Aim for a deep soak at the base of the plant whenever the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

Pruning Tips

Since Blue Plumbago blooms on new wood, the best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins. Think of this like a refreshing haircut; cutting the stems back by a third encourages a bushier shape and significantly more flower buds for the coming season. Regular deadheading throughout the summer also keeps the plant looking tidy and prevents it from putting energy into seed production.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as the first green shoots appear to fuel the summer blooming cycle. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or autumn. This prevents the plant from producing tender new growth that could be easily damaged by the first frost of the season.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Flowering, Groundcover, Drought resistant, Deer-resistant, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Blue
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
Species	plumbaginoides
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Stunning Groundcover Hardy Blue Plumbago Plant

Also Called Leadwort
Gorgeous Deep Blue Flowers
Vibrant Orange-Red Fall Color
Groundcover Plants Fills in Bare Spots
Blooms in Late Summer Through Fall
Great Nectar Source for Butterflies
Versatile, Can Grow in Full Sun or Partial Shade
Easy-Care
Deer Seldom Damage These Plants

No matter if you are just getting started with flowering plants, or you can barely squeeze in another variety, you'll want to add Blue Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides). These outstanding blue flowers will top traffic all summer and into fall!

You may hear this groundcover plant is commonly called Leadwort. It's covered in beautiful shades of sky blue and deeper gentian-blue in summer and well into fall.

Autumn is when this useful groundcover plant really shines. The blue flowers keep coming as the leaves turn a fiery orange-red.

The color contrast is unparalleled! You will be amazed at the visual impact such a low-growing plant will have in your yard.

It does well in full to part sun and spreads easily. It is drought tolerant once it is established and it stands up to light foot traffic too!

While no plant is truly "Deer Resistant", it's true that deer don't really like the taste of this perennial. However, butterflies sure do! Why not adorn your garden and make a big difference at the same time?

These lovely blooms help support the late season nectar needs of your local butterfly population. They will be much appreciated by monarch butterflies as they gear up for their annual migration.

Because this plant thrives in either full sun or light shade, it can be used as a tiny focal point along the edge of a woodland planting. Grow it in the dappled shade of your ornamental trees, or pump up the visual impact at the base of flowering shrubs.

Be sure to give Blue Plumbago a prominent planting place. That showy bright fall color will knock your socks off.

You'll love these very special blue-flowering groundcover perennials. Order more than one so that you can fill in those unsightly bare spots quickly.

How to Use Blue Plumbago Plant in the Landscape

Blue Plumbago plant loves to please. Use it as a lovely filler under the dappled shade of ornamental trees.

Place them at the edge of your garden beds. Blue Plumbago plant also looks incredible between stepping stones or as an understory plant to taller shrubs.

This unique plant is a nice companion to spring-blooming bulbs like Tulips and Daffodils. The vines really start to take off about the same time as their green foliage is fading to yellow.

It will spill over the edges of retaining walls to soften the look. Add them to the edge of your patio containers to add an extra color "pop".

Create a natural paradise with ground covering plants. They'll easily polish up the edge of garden beds within a season or two.

You can even use them in a collection of other groundcovers like Vinca and English Ivy to create a restful green carpet in your outdoor Yoga studio. Breathe deep, and enjoy this low-maintenance plant.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Versatile Blue Plumbago can be planted in full sun and partial shade or partial sun. Ensure it receives at least 4 hours of sunlight a day. It is best to give protection from afternoon sun in the warmer USDA hardiness Zones.

This beautiful groundcover needs sharp draining soil. It will, however, tolerate clay as long as it drains quickly after a rain event.

Give a medium amount of water on a regular basis for the best results. Apply a light application of mulch in Zone 5 for hardiness. Mulch also helps keep the root system nice and cool.

Apply an organic, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring and again around the Fourth of July. Don't apply fertilizer any later than that, to avoid producing a new flush of growth near the end of the growing season.

Lightly rake the planting in early spring to clean it up for the season. You can trim back at the edges at any time, but it shouldn't need additional pruning.

Don't miss one of the rarest flower shades on Earth. Order Blue Plumbago plants from Nature Hills today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can plumbago grow in shade?

Blue Plumbago thrives in both full sun and partial shade conditions. This versatile groundcover performs well in dappled shade under ornamental trees or along woodland edges. Plant it where it receives at least some sunlight for best flowering and fall color development.

Is blue plumbago a perennial?

Yes, blue plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) is a hardy perennial groundcover that returns year after year. This drought-tolerant plant blooms from late summer through fall with stunning blue flowers and fiery orange-red autumn foliage. Plant it in full sun to partial shade for reliable seasonal color, available at naturehills.com.

How big does plumbago get?

Blue Plumbago grows 6-12 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide, making it an excellent low-growing groundcover. This perennial fills in bare spots easily and can handle light foot traffic once established. Plant multiple specimens for the best coverage impact.

How often should I water Blue Plumbago and does it tolerate drought?

Blue Plumbago is drought tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering after its first growing season. Water regularly during establishment, then only during extended dry periods. This hardy groundcover thrives with neglect once its roots are developed.

Is Blue Plumbago a fast-growing or slow-growing plant?

Blue Plumbago is a moderate grower that spreads easily to fill in bare spots as groundcover. It establishes well and becomes drought tolerant once settled in. Give it a season to get established, then enjoy its reliable spreading habit available at naturehills.com.

Is Blue Plumbago deer resistant and will rabbits eat it?

Blue Plumbago is generally deer resistant as deer don't like its taste, though no plant is completely deer-proof. Rabbits typically avoid this groundcover as well due to its bitter foliage. Plant it in areas where deer browsing is a concern for reliable late-season color.

Does Blue Plumbago need regular pruning and when should I trim it?

Blue Plumbago requires minimal pruning since it's a low-growing groundcover that naturally stays compact. The best time to trim is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Simply cut back any dead stems and lightly shape if needed to maintain boundaries.

Blue Plumbago Plant

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides