Description
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
Attributes: Attracts butterflies, fall color, drought tolerant, deer resistant
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6 through 9
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.
Arrives in a 1 quart pot.