They ceratostigma willmottianumAlso known as Chinese plumbago, is a semi-shrub that attracts attention with its blue flowers. A plant that is very cold resistant, able to withstand temperatures down to -12ÂșC.
This semi-shrub can be a great addition to your garden, as you will enjoy color all year round. Both for its blue flowers and for the change in color of its leaves that occurs during autumn.
Essay content
False “Plumbago”
ceratostigma willmotianum is known as Chinese plumbago because it bears a striking resemblance to plants of the genus Plumbago, but There is no direct botanical connection. with them. There are only physical similarities.
It is a semi-shrub native to China, where we can see it growing wild in both the southwest and center of the country. But, because of its attractive flowers, and its ability to add color to the garden during autumn, its presence is spreading in many parts of the world. There is something from which his Good ability to adapt to different environments.
What is Ceratostigma Wilmottianum like?
This small shrub is notable for its blue flowers and its leaves that change color when autumn arrives, as we will see in more detail below.
- leaves The leaves of this plant are dark green and oval in shape. Being deciduous leaves, they fall during autumn, but before this happens they change color and turn reddish.
- the flower. A special feature of this plant is that it has bright blue flowers, which are shaped like a star. These flowers are 1 cm in diameter and are grouped in clusters.
- Compact development. It is said to be a semi-shrub because its growth is quite compact and slow. At most, it reaches a height of about 60 cm after a few years, and about the same diameter. In its natural habitat, it can reach one meter in height.
- Wood trunk. The stem of this plant turns into branches as it grows and matures.
Take care to enjoy a beautiful ceratostigma willmotianum
If you want your Chinese plumbago to look its best and be as healthy as possible, it is recommended that you follow these guidelines.
Location and lighting
This plant loves light. It thrives best in places where it gets it. Sunlight for at least four hours a day.
However, in hot climates, it is advisable to put the plant in a place where it receives. Partial shadeAt least during the hours when the sun shines brightest. Otherwise it may burn.
Substrate for ceratostigma willmotianum
It is one of the plants that prefer. Well-drained soil. Waterlogging of its roots can cause fungal growth and rot of Chinese plumbago. They Soil pH should be around 6.5.that is, between slightly acidic and neutral.
If you mix a universal substrate with a little sand, you can make an ideal planting medium for this variety. This way you lighten the soil, the plant can oxygenate, and it’s easier for it to get rid of excess moisture after each watering.
Moderate watering
The season of Active development This plant blooms in spring and fall. It’s easy during these months The substrate is evenly moist., but never without flooding the earth. You can also during this time. Apply fertilizer To provide the plant with additional nutrients that enhance its growth. Always use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid adverse effects.
The times of the year when ceratostigma willmotianum occurs. Semi-passive state, you can place more water out. One watering is enough. Every 10 or 15 days.
Pruning of this semi-shrub
Sugar plumbago is a plant. Slow progressBut that doesn’t mean pruning should be neglected. If you don’t trim it from time to time, it will look unkempt. The best thing to do in these cases is to prune the plant. At the beginning of springRemoval of damaged branches, pruning of branches longer than recommended, and desired shape.
In order to stress this semi-bush as little as possible in the process of pruning, it is necessary to use something. Special pruning shears that are well sharpened and pre-sterilized.s In this way we reduce the risk that the plant may suffer from any disease. After harvesting, we clean and sterilize the scissors again and we keep them ready for future use.
A very simple way to sterilize gardening tools is to wipe the edges with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol and dry thoroughly.
Winter protection
This variety is resistant to low temperatures. But in adjacent areas Winter with extreme temperatures It is advised to give it a little extra protection. In this case it will be sufficient to implement one A layer of mulch on the base To prevent extreme cold from reaching the roots.
How does ceratostigma willmotianum spread?
The easiest way to do this is through Bush preaching, a procedure that we can deal with in both spring and autumn. The steps to take are:
- Choose a mature, healthy-looking plant.
- Dig very carefully around the mother plant and lift the soil root ball.
- Using a shovel or sharp, sterile knife, break the root ball into small pieces.
- The divisions are reapplied and the care instructions we are looking at are applied.
This is also possible. Reproduction by cuttings Cut healthy stems, dip them in rooting hormone for a few days, and then proceed to plant them. This is a somewhat slower process than clump propagation, but it also gives good results.
Ceratostigma willmotianum is a plant that allows us to enjoy its beauty both through its flowers and its color-changing leaves. Since it is very easy to maintain, it is undoubtedly a good choice for garden design. Did you already know him?