Ceratostigma willmottianum

Plant of the month: October

Ceratostigma willmottianum

A delightful shrub, bountiful clusters of striking blue flowers contrast beautifully with its steadily reddening leaves at this time of year.

Named by Ernest Wilson, Ceratostigma is from the Greek word keras (a horn) and stigma, alluding to the horn-like branches of the stigma of each flower. Willmottianum is in honour of a Miss Ellen Ann Willmott – a famous amateur gardener who created a lavish garden at Warley Place in Essex in the late 19th century. Naturally occurring in much of Asia, this low-growing deciduous shrub is an excellent addition to a mixed border, providing both summer and autumn interest.