Willmott's lead

Other names: Ceratostigma willmottianum, Chinese plumpago

Leadwort willmott, also known as Ceratostigma willmottianum or Chinese plumpago, is an attractive ornamental plant native to China. This low, compact plant is sought after for its beautiful deep blue flowers that bloom from late summer to late autumn. The plant is undemanding, tolerates drought well and grows well in full sun to partial shade. It should be protected from frost in winter, although it tolerates temperatures down to -15 °C (-15 °F).

Leadwort willmott is mainly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. Its blue flowers stand out especially in combination with other plants with pink, white or yellow flowers. It is also popular as a houseplant for its unpretentiousness and beautiful flowers. In addition, it can be used medicinally, especially in traditional Chinese medicine where it is used for its astringent, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In the Czech Republic, this plant is protected and it is forbidden to collect it from the wild.