Plumbago
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6–10 in tall and 12–18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Vivid cobalt-blue flowers late summer; foliage turns red in fall.
On the CSU listlow water6–10 in tall and 12–18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Marco Mussita, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: no rights reserved
- Photo 3: (c) Marco Mussita, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: Denis.prévôt, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 5: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 6: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Hot south- or west-facing walls
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 6–10 in tall and 12–18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid summer, early fall
- Bloom color
- blue
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Fall color
- Red
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Plumbago good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Plumbago is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Plumbago get?
- It matures to about 6–10 in tall and 12–18 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Plumbago?
- Space Plumbago about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Plumbago hardy on the Front Range?
- Plumbago is hardy in USDA 5–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
- How much water does Plumbago need?
- It needs low water once established.
- What color does Plumbago turn in fall?
- Plumbago turns red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Plumbago native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Plumbago deer-resistant?
- Plumbago is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- How long does Plumbago bloom?
- Plumbago blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
