Variety Profile
The genus Ceratostigma comprises of around eight species of small shrubs and herbaceous perennials. Although most originate from regions in the Himalayas or Eastern Asia, C. 'Forest Blue' comes to us from western Sichuan, China.
This small, deciduous shrub is prized for the prolific display of loose, lacy heads of dainty clear blue flowers, not dissimilar to the plumbago (to which it is related). Being a semi deciduous shrub it also puts on a colourful display of autumn foliage.
The attractive display begins from mid summer and continues on into early winter. A particularly hardy and easy to grow shrub for all kinds of general garden use as well as for small gardens or container displays.
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Cultural Care
Choose a full sun or part shade location in a moist but well drained soil. No pruning is generally required. An addition of slow release fertiliser applied in spring would be beneficial to overall performance.
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Plant Uses
A useful shrub for adding low growing bulk to a herbaceous border where it should be kept towards the front for better appreciation of the dainty blue flowers. Great autumn colour. To create a contrast try using plants with dark green, large or strap-like leaves behind C. 'Forest Blue' to give added impact and interest in a general garden situation.
Other uses include use in containers or for adding colour to rockeries and/or low maintenance areas.
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