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Hardy, herbaceous, late-summer flowering perennial groundcover
Description: bears terminal, spike-like clusters of brilliant azure blue flowers resembling woodland phlox; autumn foliage is richly red-tinted
Habit: spreading by rhizomes; grows 12 inches high and 18 or more inches wide
Culture: Prefers evenly moist but well-drained soil and full sun to light shade; rich garden loam
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 6
Origin: China
Attributes: Fall color, drought resistant, attracts butterflies

Formerly known as Plumbago larpentia, this handsome perennial was introduced to Europe and Britain from China in 1845. It is also native to eastern Africa. Although a spreading groundcover, with slender, mat-forming woody stems, Leadwort is slow growing and not thought to be invasive. Early 20th-century southern garden writer Elizabeth Lawrence was partial to its long-flowering display, saying: “the lively smart blue of leadwort…is the perfect contrast for the lemon and orange of Zinnea linearis.” It is deer and drought resistant and attracts butterflies. zone6,zone7,zone8,zone9