Ceratostigma willmottianum is a perennial shrub from China, known for its flowers of a beautiful deep sky blue that stand out in the garden.

Characteristics
It reaches about 50-80 cm, with dark green leaves that take on purple tones in autumn, and clusters of clear blue flowers from late summer into autumn, at a season when few shrubs are in flower.

Growing and care
A hardy shrub suited to temperate climates that stands up well to drought, grown in full sun or partial shade in well drained soil. Cut the stems back hard in late winter, as flowers are produced on new growth; in cold areas the top growth may be killed back and will regrow from the base.

Uses
Ideal for borders, low hedges and as a single specimen, and excellent in gravel gardens and containers.