Photo of Ceanothus El Dorado foliage by Native Sons

Photo by Native Sons

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Ceanothus El Dorado

Scientific Name: Ceanothus 'Perado'

Also Known As

  • Ceanothus 'El Dorado'
  • El Dorado California Lilac

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 6'-10'
  • W: 6'-10'

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

More Options

Ceanothus El Dorado plant details

Ceanothus El Dorado is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with chartreuse, gold, green and variegated foliage. In spring blue flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant, verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ceanothus El Dorado

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: rhamnaceae
Foliage: evergreen chartreuse, gold, green and variegated
Mature size: 6 FT - 10 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring
Uses: fragrant, hedge, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ceanothus El Dorado

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, seaside / salt, verticillium wilt and wind
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Leaves brightly, irregularly edged with lime-chartreuse-yellow are an amazing compliment to the masses of medium-blue early summer flowers. This fine drought-resistant plant makes an 8' rounded shrub which is perfect for hedge or accent; this is a good choice for coastal settings. S/M/GDr
A lovely variegated form of thyrsiflorus, we doubt it will prove hardy here but should be great in warmer climates.
Another wonderful variegated selection, 'El Dorado' shines with large dark green leaves splashed boldly with vivid yellow. In springtime the rich blue blossoms contrast brilliantly with the year-round foliage. Mature specimens grow to 8' with an equal spread. A bold choice for sophisticated gardens. Hardy to 10F.

Gardening facts about Ceanothus El Dorado plant

How to Grow Ceanothus El Dorado

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - dappled shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • seaside / salt tolerant
    • wind tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • variegated
    • gold
    • chartreuse
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Ceanothus for your garden

aka Feltleaf Ceanothus, Island Mountain Lilac, Tree Lilac

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

8b-11

Size

Height: 10'-30'

Width: 8'-15'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Ceanothus arboreus form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Hoary Leafed Ceanothus

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 7'-12'

Width: 7'-12'

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Ceanothus crassifolius form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Lakeside Ceanothus, San Diego Buckbrush, San Diego Mountain Lilac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8b-10b

Size

Height: 10'-15'

Width: 8'-12'

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Ceanothus cyaneus flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Pinemat

Plant Type

Shrub, Groundcover

Zones

7b-10b

Size

Height: 4"-12"

Width: 36"-72"

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Ceanothus diversifolius form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Desert Ceanothus

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

5b-10b

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 4'-6'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Ceanothus greggii form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

+118 more Ceanothus
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