Ceratostigma willmottianum Forest Blue - Height 14-20cm - 2lt

Ceratostigma willmottianum 'Forest Blue' is a deciduous shrub grown for its vivid late-season flowers and attractive autumn foliage. It is a cultivar of Ceratostigma willmottianum, a species native to western China and widely valued in ornamental gardens for its long flowering period and adaptability. This plant is particularly appreciated for bringing strong colour to the garden at a time when many other shrubs are beginning to fade.

‘Forest Blue’ forms a compact, bushy shrub typically reaching around 60–100 cm in height and spread. It produces upright to gently arching stems that carry small, oval to elliptic leaves. During spring and summer the foliage is a fresh mid-green, providing a neat and understated backdrop for other plants. As temperatures cool in autumn, the leaves gradually turn striking shades of red, bronze and purple, creating a dramatic seasonal display.

The most distinctive feature of this cultivar is its intense blue flowers. From late summer into autumn, clusters of bright, clear blue blossoms appear at the tips of the stems. Each flower has five petals and a slightly star-shaped form, standing out vividly against the foliage. The flowers are often accompanied by reddish sepals, which add further colour contrast and remain decorative even after the petals fall.

This shrub thrives best in full sun or light partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Although it appreciates some moisture during the growing season, it is relatively tolerant of dry conditions once established. It is commonly used in mixed borders, gravel gardens and informal plantings, where its late flowering habit provides valuable seasonal interest.

‘Forest Blue’ benefits from pruning in early spring, as flowers are produced on new growth. Cutting the stems back encourages strong shoots and a more compact habit. It can also be used alongside ornamental grasses and other late-flowering perennials to extend colour in the garden.

Overall, Ceratostigma willmottianum ‘Forest Blue’ is valued for its vibrant blue flowers, colourful autumn foliage and reliable performance in sunny garden settings