Ceanothus Care and Propagation

Ceanothus is an evergreen or deciduous shrub or small tree. They flower either in late spring or mid to late summer depending on the variety.

They are often called California Lilacs because the flowers of some varieties are similar to the Lilac Tree (syringa), and ceanothus do originate form California.

The flowers are most noted for the varieties which produce masses of deep blue flowers. But they also come with pink or white flowers.

Quick growing, Ceanothus are great shrubs for filling gaps in a few years. We highly recommend this beautiful shrub.

Key Ceanothus Facts

Botanical Name Ceanothus

Common Name California Lilac

Type Deciduous or evergreen shrub; spring or summer flowering.

Size
(after 5 years) Varies considerably depending on the variety

Position Full sun.

Soil Light and well-drained

Hardy Yes but depends on the variety

Flower Blue, pink or white

Foliage Dark green

Scent No

Season of
Interest Spring or summer depending on the variety.

Propagate Semi-ripe cuttings in mid July, click here for semi-ripe cutting article.

Ceanothus are frost hardy but not a deep frost. However, if they are given a warm, sheltered and sunny position they will produce a magnificent flower display and lovely glossy deep green leaves.

Which Variety of Ceanothus?
We rate these three Ceanothus highly. Click the pictures to enlarge them.

Ceanothus Puget Blue
The blue flowers cover this beautiful shrub from early to late spring.

Plant in a protected sunny position on a neutral to alkaline soil. This is one of the best Ceanothus

Click here for more information if you want buy Ceanothus Puget Blue online in the UK.

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Skylark
The classic ceanothus with deep blue massed flowers. The picture on the left is proof that ceanothus can be trained if you persevere. Click the picture to enlarge it and see it in all it's glory!

Click here for more information if you want buy Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Skylark online in the UK.

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens
Very easy to grow but stunning in early to late Spring. This is a mound forming Ceanothus which doesn't suffer too much from hard frosts.

Click here for more information if you want buy Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens online in the UK.

CLICK HERE FOR NEXT CEANOTHUS PAGE
(how to care, plant and prune a ceanothus)

Gardening Advice Center

Share with us your gardening experience!

Name: Lorelei
E-mail: LoreleiSoCal@aol.com
Date posted: September 30, 2011 - 10:23 am
Message: My California lilacs have brown leaves and before they turn brown they have a grayish film on them. I'm not sure what the problem is or how to take care of it.

Name: Laura Ott
E-mail: lauraott93@btinternet.com
Date posted: June 02, 2011 - 12:20 pm
Message: I've just moved into a property and have one of these shrubs in the garden. It hasn't been looked after and pruned back. It was very tall. I've just pruned it right back. A lot of it was dead and dried up. I have now notices it has new leaves coming on parts of the branches but the stems have got green (looks like disease) all over them is there any thing i can do to save this shrub or get rid of the green?

Name: anne
E-mail: Private
Date posted: January 21, 2011 - 10:06 am
Message: This year with the hard frosts, my california lilac tree is looking very brown... have i lost it do you think ?

Name: Denise
E-mail: Private
Date posted: October 13, 2010 - 12:08 pm
Message: Is it ok to put a Ceanothus out now (Lincolnshire area) or am I too late for this year?

Name: Jenny Dandridge
E-mail: Private
Date posted: September 24, 2010 - 06:36 am
Message: Can you advise which Ceanthus will be fast growing to replace a tree that has blown down due to age, unknow variety. The birds loved sitting in the branches, we have left it on the ground because they still gather there to feed from the bird feeders.

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