Ear-leaved Ceratostigma

Family Plumbaginaceae. Native range - Western China.

Perennial groundcover plant up to 35 cm tall with soft light-green lanceolate leaves. Flowers light blue in short raceme-like inflorescences. Suitable for container culture and flower beds. Sow for seedlings in February-March. At 20°C seedlings appear in 16-18 days.

Location: in sunny, semi-shaded, warm, as well as hot and dry positions.

Soil: prefers moderately fertile, light, moist, well-drained soils. Does not tolerate wet sites and heavy clay soils!

Care: well loosen the soil before planting. Do not damage the roots. An airy, dry winter covering is necessary. Prune in spring after the snow has melted. In the midlands and further north wintering in a bright room at 3-12°C is preferable. Diseases - true powdery mildew can be a problem.

Propagation: by division, separating side shoots in autumn or spring, by layering in autumn. In winter young plants should be kept in frost-free rooms. When grown from seed it flowers in the second year. There are no difficulties with germination.

Uses: on small sites, south of trees. On slopes, on the edges of roofs and sidewalks. Planted in mixed borders, edging, along sunny walls. The plumbago-like ceratostigma can also be used as a groundcover for rock gardens and rockeries.

Partners: Solidago caesia, Stachys byzantina, juniper.