Ceratostigma willmottianum.

Aside from telling me a few of my great-grandfather's favourite plants, Granny Pat also knew how to spell them. With gentians it isn't so much of an issue, but with Ceratostigma willmottianum it is very useful indeed!
Having had a busy few weeks, it's good to get back into the blog.

Ceratostigma willmottianum, "Chinese Plumbago".
(Semi-woody perennial.)

Planting: Autumn or early spring (before the last frosts).
Flowering: July to October. Foliage turns fiery red in autumn.
Aspect: Full sun, sheltered. Well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Hardy.

Notes: Discovered in China by the intrepid victorian Edward Wilson, it is named after his patroness Miss Ellen Willmott. Eccentric and extravagant, her place in the history of women and horticulture is deserved. I shall be discussing her "ghost" in a later post!