Japanese name: ルリマツリモドキ（瑠璃茉莉擬） Scientific name:Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
[Overview]
A perennial to deciduous subshrub growing 30–60 cm tall.
It spreads well by extending underground stems.
The stems branch freely, are ridged, and are tinged with red.
The leaves are simple and alternate, obovate, about 5 cm long, and turn red in autumn.
The flowers are borne densely at the branch tips, are azure blue, and have a 5-lobed corolla.
The fruit is a capsule.
[History]
It was introduced to Japan at the end of the Meiji period.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed, by division, or by shoot cuttings.
It prefers sunny, well-drained soil.
It tolerates partial shade and dryness, and if the conditions suit it, it grows well even when left alone.
Beware of excess moisture when watering; for potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries, and for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
For plants in the ground, no fertilizer is needed if base fertilizer is applied; for potted plants, place slow-release fertilizer on the soil once between spring and autumn.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
