Practical
Plants

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

a perennial member of the Ceratostigma genus in the family Plumbaginaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.4 m
Spread
0.5 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

An excellent ground cover between shrubs, at the front of the border and in a sunny rock garden[1]. Plants are used to stabilize steep banks in warm climates[1].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Environment

Range
E. Asia - W. China.
Habitat
Rocky places, often in foot-hills. Beijing Shi, Henan, Jiangsu, Shanxi, Zhejiang[3].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in the spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in the spring[1].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a light moderately fertile and retentive soil with good drainage, though it tolerates poor dry soils[1]. Requires a sunny position[1]. The plant has an invasive root system and can spread freely when well suited[2]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[2].

References

  1. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  2. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩1↩2

  3. Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/

    ↩

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