Ceratostigma willmottianum

The Chinese plumbago, Ceratostigma willmottianum, is a spreading, deciduous shrub with slender, bristly mid-green stems and green leaves with purple margins, which become bright red in autumn. From late summer to autumn it bears striking cobalt-blue flowers, when many other flowers have gone over.

Grow Ceratostigma willmottianum towards the front of a sheltered, sunny border in well-drained soil. Cut back dead flowers in spring.