Ceratostigma griffithii
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Ceratostigma griffithii• Click here to visit our Main Plant List page for current availability of this plant
• common name: griffith's leadwort
• flowering season: late summer well into autumn
• height: 24 - 36 inches
• Light requirements: sun or afternoon shade
• Soil requirements: average soil that is well drained
• Water requirments: average; older plants are drought tolerant
• Growth habit: a semi-evergreen shrubby plant
• How to propagate: cuttings in spring
• Leaf type: small oval green leaves that turn red in fall; semi-evergreen
• Ways to use it: a highlight of the garden when other plants are going dormant
• Special characteristics: undemanding and easy to please
• Other points of interests: not bothered by deer
More frost hardy than you may think, established plants of this semi-evergreen, shrubby perennial will survive to 0°F. It begins to bloom towards the end of summer with sky blue flowers, and once it starts it continues on into fall. Its green leaves turn a vibrant red in fall while the plant is still blooming, giving you a glorious combination of the lighter blue against the ruddy leaves. Older plants are surprisingly drought tolerant, and survive the dryness of Western summers quite well. The mature height will be two to three feet tall by four feet wide. We sometimes cut the plant back completely to the ground at the end of winter so that the spring growth can give it a fresh look. Because it blooms on new wood, cutting it back hard at the end of winter won't keep it from flowering in its season. Anyone trying to think of good choices for late summer color should add this to their list. Late in the year when most flowers are declining, Ceratostigma griffithii is coming on strong. Grows well in sun or partial shade.
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