Perennial · Plumbaginaceae family
hardy plumbago
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
In short a 10-second read
Hardy plumbago (perennial) grows to 0.15–0.25 m tall and 0.15–0.5 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in dry to average soil. It flowers in August–October; the flowers are blue. Hardy to −29 °C.
× spread 0.15–0.5 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −29 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: moderate
Soil: sandy, loamy, clay
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
August–October · blue
Pruning
cut back to the ground (March–April)
Planting
container plant: March–May, September–November
Winter protection
mulch the crown
Overwintering
In winter it needs protection.
Before the first frosts: mulch the crown.
- Mulch the crown
- Hardy to −29 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
spring crocus
0.08–0.15 m
cushion spurge
0.3–0.45 m
coralbells
0.3–0.45 mReady-made Studio combinations that include hardy plumbago
Anemones, sedum and low blue flowers open as the rest fade — from…
Tough perennials that cope with drought and a forgotten watering,…
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does hardy plumbago flower?
In August–October; the flowers are blue.
Does hardy plumbago tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does hardy plumbago need?
At maturity 0.15–0.5 m wide and 0.15–0.25 m tall; recommended spacing 30 cm.
Does hardy plumbago survive winter outdoors?
Yes, with protection: mulch the crown.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 28 September 2026.
Show sources (15)
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Foerster-Stauden Shop
- Bamberger Staudengarten
- Sarastro Stauden
- RHS Plant Finder
- Bamberger Staudengarten (Strobler), katalóg
- Wikidata (CC0) — Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
- RHS - How to grow perennial plants
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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