Ceanothus 'Tuxedo'

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 5'-8'
W: 5'-8'

planting zones

8a-11

More Options

Ceanothus 'Tuxedo' plant details

Ceanothus 'Tuxedo' is a broadleaf evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub with black and burgundy foliage. In summer blue flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - bright shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ceanothus 'Tuxedo'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: rhamnaceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen black and burgundy
Mature size: 5 FT - 8 FT - wide, 5 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ceanothus 'Tuxedo'

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A knockout: the glossy, deep-dark-almost-black foliage of this 6-8' shrub is topped with clusters of fragrant light lavender-blue flowers late summer to fall (rather than late spring to early summer). PSh/M/GDr PP20754

By: Forestfarm

A lovely sport from Ireland of C. ???Autumnal Blue' with nearly black foliage and the deepest blue flowers, making it one of the most unique forms yet. Its parentage includes summer rainfall C. americanus so, though accepting of drought, it is tolerant of summer garden water. Evergreen (well, black), long-lived, and exciting. To 4-5 ft eventually. Sun is best for deepest color, but holds up well in medium shade. Very good hedging or container plant. Frost hardy to 0F, USDA zone 7.

By: Cistus Nursery

A stunning break-through in Ceanothus breeding, 'Tuxedo' was found in 2007 at the Fitzgerald Nursery in Ireland. A branch on 'Autumnal Blue' developed deep black leaves. Cuttings from the branch produced plants with similar black foliage so 'Tuxedo' was introduced & was met with rave reviews. 'Tuxedo' is a cross between Ceanothus thyrsifolia (a California native) & a cold tolerant variety from the East Coast (C.americana or C.dellianus). Thus its popularity in England, but it thrives in California, too. Its habit is very open, & it grows to 8' tall & wide. However, it responds very well to pruning & can be shaped to fit the space. The lavender blue flowers are produced in the late Summer & Fall, quite unlike the early Spring flowering of CA native Ceanothus, & the contrast between the black foliage & the lavender blue flower is quite remarkable. Unless you have seen a 'Tuxedo' blooming, you have not seen anything like it.