Ceratostigma willmottianum

Chinese Plumbago

Ceratostigma Willmottianum, or Chinese Plumbago, is a deciduous shrub originating from the western parts of China and has a twiggy growth habit with multiple branches emerging from the ground. Its leaves are bright green and lance-shaped with fine bristles on them. In autumn the leaves of this tree turn a flaming orange-red colour as the cold intensifies.

During summer and autumn the metre tall bushes are covered in clear blue flowers, 2 to 2,5 cm in diameter, each comprised of a reddish tube and five blue petals. It is a useful filler plant for shrubberies and borders alike, thriving in most parts of the country.