This superb and true blue shrub, photographed here in Mrs U-turn's garden just a few weeks ago, is hardy plumbago, botanically known as Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Forest Blue'.
This shrub is about as fool proof as they come. The above variety can grow to 1m tall and 1.5m wide if not pruned back hard. It is pruned in Spring, March or April hereand I tend to cut it back to a few inches because I want a smaller shrub. It will not show any signs of life for some time and you would be forgiven to think that it has been killed by winter weather (or your pruning) but do have faith, by the end of May latest there will be new growth.
Expect flowers late in the season, this shrub flowers from August until October or first frosts. I like everything about this shrub, the excitement when it finally wakes up in very late Spring/early Summer, the dense foliage which turns orange in winter, the profusion of flowers.No pests and diseases trouble this shrub and it does not need much water either once established. It does need a sunny site though.
In Mrs U-turn's garden this is planted next to bluebells (more blues for you) and alliums (purple). By the time the foliage from the spring bulbs turns yellow, the plumbago puts on its annual growth spurt. This allows the bulbs foliage to die back peacefully before being removed whilst the eye can feast on the plumbago.
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