Ceratostigma griffithii

For all of those northern transplants to the South who failed growing leadworts in their new home, we also had trouble until we discovered Ceratostigma griffithii. After it sailed through 0 degrees F in our severe 1996 winter, we began to propagate this dynamite species. The twiggy spreading growth clothed with dime-sized, round green leaves makes a large spreading mound to 2-3' wide. In late August, Ceratostigma griffithii becomes a mass of rich, pure blue flowers through autumn when the deciduous foliage takes on lovely hues of red and yellow...a favorite of butterflies, especially tiger swallowtails. In warmer climates, Ceratostigma griffithii should stay evergreen.