Ceanothus – A true blue Californian
Cover crops should be planted in the garden as soon as you pull out summer crops. They will feed the soil and prevent erosion over the winter.
When blackberry vines are done fruiting, prune back the canes which bore fruit this summer. Twine young canes around the fence or trellis.
Pansies, snapdragons, stock, calendulas and primroses can be planted now to replace summer annuals.
Fertilize lawns now to build up root systems for a healthy lawn.
Fall is for planting! Trees, shrubs and perennials planted now will grow twice as much next year as those planted next spring.
About Ceanothus (California Wild Lilac)
One of the most popular groups of western natives is Ceanothus, or California Wild Lilac. California Lilacs are some of our most fragrant and colorful native shrubs. They are also evergreen and very drought tolerant, and some make excellent hedges!
Many wild lilacs prefer coastal slopes and protected locations where they have some relief from the blazing summer heat. It is important to choose the correct variety for your landscape needs. In general, Ceanothus prefer coarse, well-draining soil, and most of them do not tolerate summer watering and may succumb to root rot if the soil is too wet. Most are fast-growing, particularly when planted from small container sizes, and develop into good flowering plants quickly. Once established, summer watering should be carefully controlled for best health and long-life. Whenever possible, locate Ceanothus on slopes and banks when clay soil conditions are present.
Varieties of Ceanothus
- Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ – Grows 6 feet tall and wide. Small, dark green leaves and electric, cobalt blue flower clusters in spring. Needs full sun. Tolerates heavy soil and summer drought. Deer-resistant. Good informal hedge, screen or windbreak.
- Ceanothus ‘Concha’ – Grows 6 feet tall and as wide. Deep blue flowers from March through May. Adaptable to different soil and climate conditions. More tolerant of heavy soils and summer watering than most ceanothus.
- Ceanothus ‘Skylark’ – Compact dome-shaped shrub to 5 feet tall and wide. Abundant blue flower clusters in spring. Takes more shade and water than most Ceanothus. Fairly tolerant of heavy soil.
- Ceanothus ‘Yankee Point’ – Grows 2-3 feet tall by 6-8 feet wide. Arching branches, large dark green leaves, and large sky-blue flowers. Best in coastal areas but adapts to hotter climates with afternoon shade. Not deer-resistant.
- Ceanothus maritimus – Grows to 3 feet high and 6 feet across. Dense shrub with small dark green leaves and light blue flowers in spring. Best suited to coastal conditions but adapts well to inland areas.
Care and Longevity
Most Ceanothus respond well to pruning (not shearing) after the blooming period. Avoid cutting off branches that are more than an inch in diameter. Their fast growth rate makes them useful for quick effects and coverage.
Not all varieties of Ceanothus are deer-resistant. In unprotected areas, choose varieties less appealing to deer.
The myth of Ceanothus being short-lived is primarily spread by gardeners who use drip irrigation, summer water, and soil amending. Native plants dislike all three. Expect a 20-25 year life in most gardens if you treat Ceanothus as the drought-tolerant plants they are.
Wildlife Benefits
Ceanothus provide seeds eaten by bushtits, mockingbirds, quail and finches, as well as cover for birds.