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How to Grow Ceanothus

Ceanothus, commonly known as Californian lilacs, have masses of tiny flowers during spring or summer. The most popular varieties have striking bright blue flowers however there are also very pretty pink, purple and white ceanothus available. Native to North America their dense bushy habit with leathery dark green leaves make them not only attractive but also drought, heat and cold tolerant. Different cultivars are available, growing from 0.5 – 3 m tall, which can be grown as a beautiful container or specimen plant, ground cover or informal hedge. Ceanothus are also 'nitrogen fixing' plants (able to convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogen plants can use).

Full sun to part shade

Water every few days when young, drought tolerant once established

Well drained soil

Prefers to grow in areas with dry summers. Suits coastal and dry zones and is frost tolerant once established

How to grow ceanothus in your garden

Step 1

Choose north facing edges of the garden or edges which receive ample sunlight through the day. Enrich the well drained soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is clay based or poorly drained, add gypsum and fork in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the stem.

Step 5

Water deeply, two to three times a week, depending on weather conditions, once established they can tolerate dry conditions.

Step 6

Feed every 6-8 weeks from spring to mid autumn with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Growing tips

Ceanothus spp. are remarkably drought tolerant but the plants will perform at their best if water stress is kept to a minimum.
Prune back lightly after flowering
Some varieties inclide -
Cultivars:
Blue Pacific
Blue Cushion
Blue Sapphire
Pin Cushion
Yankee Point
Glore de Versailles