Dwarf Plumbago

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides in June on 40% ET0 in 50% shade. Photo: SK Reid.

Summary

Since we grew this species in both the full sun and shade, both treatments’ results will be discussed together for comparison.  In full sun, the 60% and 80% ET₀ treatments were significantly larger in size than the two lowest treatments, but the foliage, flowering and overall appearance ratings were consistently highest on the highest level of irrigation.  In the shade, there were no significant differences between the treatments in size or quality.  For these reasons, the recommended irrigation rate for full sun would be the highest level, 80% ET₀, but we feel confident in recommending any irrigation level for the shade.  In both sun and shade, the leaves were never flawless, but seemed to have minor damage from various sources much of the time.  When in bloom, the damage was unnoticeable, but when the season was late, and the flower heads were spent, it had periods of looking ragged before it turned red for the fall.

The master gardeners struggled with this species.  Most of them were growing it in full sun all day, and their demonstration gardens are typically conservative with water after establishment.  Complaints against it included failure to grow vigorously and fill in, and that the spent flowers looked messy.  The garden with the highest overall quality rating, San Joaquin, was able to give it consistent water.

Growth and Quality Data

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Ceratostigma plumbaginoides in October on 40% ET0 in 50% shade. Photo: SK Reid.