Also known as Plumbago · 116 gardener saves
Ceratostigma: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Ceratostigma, the genus most gardeners know as plumbago. We track 4 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 4 most-saved Ceratostigma varieties
Of 4 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedWillmott's Plumbago Ceratostigma
Ceratostigma willmottianum
#2 most savedLeadwort
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
#3 most savedDwarf Plumbago
Ceratostigma minus
Griffith's Plumbago
Ceratostigma griffithii
How to grow Ceratostigma
What the Ceratostigma varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Ceratostigma year
- MulchApril100% of varieties
Apply a light layer of mulch in spring to help retain moisture.
- PruneFebruary and March75% of varieties
Cut back stems to a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring.
Do
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to encourage bushy growth
- Mulch to retain moisture
- Water regularly during dry periods 💧
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape ✂️
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Overwater in winter ❌
- Skip pruning in late season ❌
- Plant in heavy clay soil without amendment ❌
What goes wrong with Ceratostigma
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Apply miticide or increase humidity. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering. |
Making more Ceratostigma
Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Keep humid for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Maintain consistent moisture for 4-6 weeks.
Ceratostigma questions
How many types of Ceratostigma are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Ceratostigma varieties. The most popular — ranked by 116 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Ceratostigma grow in?
Across its varieties, Ceratostigma covers USDA Zones 5–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Ceratostigma bloom?
Most Ceratostigma varieties bloom in late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Ceratostigma should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Ceratostigma shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Ceratostigma in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
