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Photo by J.G. in SF

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Ceanothus impressus 'Vandenberg'

Also Known As

Vandenberg California Lilac
Vandenberg Santa Barbara Ceanothus

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 3'-6'
W: 4'-6'

planting zones

7b-12

More Options

Ceanothus impressus 'Vandenberg' plant details

Ceanothus impressus 'Vandenberg' is a fast-growing broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, seaside / salt tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ceanothus impressus 'Vandenberg'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: rhamnaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT - 6 FT - wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring and summer
Uses: crinkly leaves, dense, mounding

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ceanothus impressus 'Vandenberg'

USDA Zones: 7b - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, heat, seaside / salt and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Pretty in every season! Featuring finely textured, small and very crinkled foliage which is deep, dark-green. This 3-6' mounding shrub is especially outstanding in late spring when it is covered with soft purple buds that burst open into bright blue flowers. This wonderful selection was discovered growing at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara, Ca. This fine selection is excellent for coastal plantings. S/M-D/GDr

By: Forestfarm

Tiny, dimpled, dark green leaves surround airy, bright blue fragrant panicles that open from purple buds in April and May. Found at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Santa Barbara Co., in 1982. Wide, dense, and mounding; drought-tolerant after the first year, preferring dry summers. Like most Ceanothus, it loves the coast. That doesn't mean we can't enjoy it, along with the bees, inland.

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

A mounding evergreen shrub with tiny, crinkled, dark green, shiny leaves. Bright blue flower clusters appear in late spring and early summer. The attractive foliage and compact habit made this a very popular plant last year. Drought tolerant once established.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Interesting selection by Austin Griffiths from the Burton Mesa in northern Santa Barbara County. Small black-green leaves are arranged densely on arching branches that create a tight, compact habit. Mature plants are 5' high with an equal spread and produce medium-blue flowers in early spring.

By: Native Sons

This Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo species has a strong preference for coastal gardens and was discovered at 'Vandenberg' Air Force Base in the 1980's. Slow growing, it will take many years to reach 3' and thus is smaller as a quart plant than our typical Ceanothus. Tiny crinkled dark green leaves. Drought tolerant once established. Will not tolerate winter wet, soggy soil. Must have good drainage.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

A new favorite, a compact plant from east of the Santa Lucia Mountains in northern California. Forms a dense mound with tiny, crinkled leaves and bright blue, airy flowers in April and May. To 4 ft tall, eventually taller, x 6 ft wide but easily pruned or sheared for size and shape. Best in sun, mineral soil, and little summer water once established, though accepting of summer garden water in cool areas. Cold hardy in USDA zone 7b.

By: Cistus Nursery

Garden photo gallery of Ceanothus impressus 'Vandenberg'

Photo of Ceanothus impressus 'Vandenberg' close-up, flower by J.G. in SF

By: J.G. in SF

By: J.G. in SF

By: J.G. in SF

By: J.G. in SF

By: J.G. in SF

By: Cistus Nursery

Gardening facts about Ceanothus impressus 'Vandenberg' plant

How to Grow Ceanothus impressus 'Vandenberg'

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in summer
Soil Needs
- adaptable
- average
- well-drained
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- seaside / salt tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant