Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

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Ceanothus caeruleus

Also Known As

California Lilac

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 7'-10'
W: 7'-10'

planting zones

9a-11

Ceanothus caeruleus plant details

Ceanothus caeruleus is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ceanothus caeruleus

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: rhamnaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 7 FT - 10 FT - wide, 7 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, rock garden, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ceanothus caeruleus

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, seaside / salt and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

One of the deepest blue flowered….blue bushes. This collection, from the foothills of San Diego County in California, possesses shiny, rounded leaves to about 2" and eye-popping flowers in mid to late spring then occasionally throughout the year if conditions are not too austere. This is a plant for the West Coast, as it seems to have little tolerance for extreme summer heat and humidity. And, oh…it’s not very hardy either… About 20F, bottom of USDA zone 9, should be its lower limit. However, it makes a beautiful container specimen as this 8 ft shrub can easily be trimmed back to encourage repeat flowering. Tolerant of summer garden water in coastal areas. Rhamnaceae