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Lavender companion · grow guide
Leadwort · Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
Plant in sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is a low, spreading groundcover with true-blue flowers late summer into fall and red fall leaves, and it wakes up very late.
Check my zone & planting dates
Full sunLight
Moderate waterAverage drainage
pH 6.0–7.5Soil
Zones 5a–9bHardiness
12″ tall20″ wide
ResistantDeer · rabbits some resistance
Not known toxicPets
Huckleberry saysTell me where you grow and I’ll check if Leadwort will thrive there.
Hardy in zones 5a–9b
Spring after frost, so it roots in before winter.
Your year with Leadwort
When it arrives
Plugs arrive in active growth. Water the tray right away, set it in bright light out of harsh wind, and plant within a few days. If you wait, bump them into 3–4" pots. Harden off for a week before planting out, and keep the root ball moist the first 3–4 weeks.
Spring after frost, so it roots in before winter.
Plant with the top of the root ball level with the soil.
10–16" apart; it spreads to fill in.
Loam or sandy loam; tolerates poor soil · pH 6.0–7.5
Fix-it tip: Needs good drainage, especially in winter. Loosen clay and add some compost, or plant on a slope.
Full sun (tolerates part shade).
Flowers best in sun; afternoon shade is fine in hot summers. Not for full shade.
Don’t give up on it
Very late to emerge, often not until late spring. Mark where it's planted so you don't dig into it during spring cleanup.
Cut back old stems; be patient for late shoots.
Water young plants in drought.
Enjoy blue flowers and red leaves.
Light mulch in zone 5.
First season: Water weekly the first summer.
After that: Drought tolerant once established; water in long dry spells.
Little needed; light compost topdressing in spring.
Cut old stems to the ground in early spring. No deadheading needed. Wear gloves; it can cause skin irritation in some people.
Every few years in spring to control spread or make more plants.
Hardy to zone 5. Light winter mulch in zone 5; avoid wet winter soil.
Handles summer heat well and blooms when many plants are done.
Nothing showing in MayLikely cause: Late emergence
What to do: Wait; mark the spot
Few flowersLikely cause: Too much shade
What to do: Move to more sun
Spreading too farLikely cause: Creeping stems
What to do: Dig out edges in spring
Yellowing and rot in wet soil; wilting and few flowers in severe drought.
NC State lists it as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses. It can cause contact dermatitis in some people; wear gloves when pruning.
Deer: resistant · Rabbits: somewhat resistant
Finnegan saysStill not sure what’s wrong? Ask Plant Health — describe it or add a photo.
Good in pots · 1 gallon+
Nice spilling over a pot edge. Protect pots in winter in zone 6 and colder.
Outdoor plant
Not suited to indoor growing.
Best after a cold winter
Normal winter dormancy keeps it vigorous.
Plugs from the tray
3–4 inch pots for 3–5 weeks, until roots hold the soil
Garden bed or a 1 gallon potTime to move up? Slide the plant out: if white roots wrap the outside of the soil, it’s ready for the next size.
Planting with lavender
Plant it right alongside lavender
Fits the sunny, well-drained edge of a lavender bed. Its blue late flowers and red fall leaves extend the season after lavender is done.
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