It's a non-native, adapted groundcover called leadwort plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides.) Now beginning to bloom, the brilliant purplish-blue flowers are quite small but so dramatic, plus its leaves are a graceful shape and texture. For context, here are wider shots.
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I've never grown this before, but it sure is pretty. How does it hold up all summer? Do you have to trim it back? Give it extra water? How long does it bloom?
Hey Pam,
I planted it for the first time late last summer as an experiment (after seeing it in the City of Austin's "Grow Green" Native and Adapted plant guide three years ago and not being able to find it anywhere) so I don't feel very experienced with it yet. But here's what I know so far:
Planting in late summer stressed it. So, I did spot-water it a little more than my other xeric things and it held up fine through the summer. Here, it gets some afternoon shade, and I'm thinking it might not do as well in full sun all day.
It bloomed (not very profusely) throughout the summer until late September-ish, similar to "regular" blue plumbago. I dead-headed it then trimmed it back in late February, not knowing if it would come back at all. I'm so happy it did!
So, I'll pay more attention now to it--love it and want to put it other places--and let you know how it goes!
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