Which is the hardiest Ceanothus?
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens is one of the hardiest varieties, with pale blue flowers. It is a low-growing evergreen, forming a natural mounded shape and looks good at the front of a mixed border, or grown as ground cover.
Does Ceanothus grow quickly?
Ceanothus are perfectly hardy in all but extremes of climate. They however grow quickly, flower profusely and, therefore, have relatively short lives in our gardens. As they get older they can get leggy and scruffy and it may well then be time to start again with new young plants.
What is the common name for Ceanothus?
California lilac
Ceanothus, commonly known as California lilac or New Jersey tea, is a genus containing about 50 species of mostly evergreen, ornamental flowering shrubs of the buckthorn family. Most are native to California (hence the common name of California lilac) with a few from the eastern U.S., Mexico and Guatemala.
How tall do Ceanothus get?
It grows from 3-6 ft tall, will adapt to clay, and can tolerate limited deer browsing. Ceanothus ‘Concha’ is a highly adaptable garden-worthy cultivar, accepting summer water more forgivingly than most, with dark green glossy leaves and deep, cobalt blue flower clusters in late spring.
Can you cut Ceanothus back hard?
However deciduous Ceanothus do tolerate hard pruning, carried out when plants are dormant between late-February and March, and can be pruned down to just above ground level if necessary. Response will be fairly slow; encourage strong regrowth by feeding and mulching in the spring after pruning.
What is Ceanothus used for?
The flowers of C. americanus are used as food by (and the shoots host the larvae of) butterflies in the genus Celastrina, including spring azure, and summer azure; and by Erynnis martialis (mottled duskywing) and Erynnis icelus (dreamy duskywing). Ceanothus americanus seeds are consumed by wild turkeys and quail.
How do you identify Ceanothus?
Ceanothus, California Lilac. Commonly known as the California lilac it is recognisable by the profusion of lilac blue coloured flowers from spring to autumn depending on which variety you grow. It is evergreen and hardy over much of the UK although I find it to be one of the hardier plants grown.
What is the best ceanothus?
Our pick of the best ceanothus
- Blue Mound. Spreading small-leaved evergreen.
- Blue Sapphire. Dark purple-green evergreen leaves on arching stems.
- Concha. Larger grower clothed in small evergreen leaves.
- Cool Blue. New variegated dwarf form.
- Dark Star. Deep purple-blue honey-scented flowers on arching stems.
- C.
Can you keep Ceanothus small?
As a general rule it is unnecessary to prune Ceanothus. If you find that your Ceanothus is outgrowing its allotted space, Ceanothus can be pruned. The evergreen varieties (which is most) are pruning group 8 which recommends pruning after flowering.
How big do California lilacs get?
California lilac comes in several forms for use in the landscape. Some are upright bushes reaching 8 or 9 feet (2 to 2.5 m.) in height while others are compact, low growing groundcovers that seldom reach more than 6 inches (15 cm.) in height.
What is the difference between a lilac bush and a lilac tree?
To clear up any confusion, there is no difference between a lilac bush and a lilac tree, they are the same plant just called by different names. Some lilacs flower two weeks earlier, including Syringa x hyacinthiflora varieties and these are often referred to as early flowering lilacs.