Descanso GardenClub

Ceanothus

California Lilac (Ceanothus ) is a native shrub that grows up to twelve feet tall. It has attractive, aromatic foliage and bears blue or white flowers in spring. Ceanothus has about 35 species. Most are native to Western North America and Mexico. They grow on dry slopes in scrub or woodland growth. These do well as in a shrub border or as a specimen plant and can be purchased from mail order nurseries if not found locally. They are well suited for Descanso dry or woodland gardens, or as a speciman. Typical life as a landscape plant is short, often less than ten years.

Chaparral whitethorn

Cupleaf Lilac

CULTIVATION:

Location: Full sun.
Soil: Fertile, well drained.
Water: Provide deep water periodically, the first year, then depend on the natural wet-dry cycle.
Pruning: Need minimal pruning; if you do prune after flowering

PROPAGATION:

Ceanothus may be started from seed in fall. Plant in a flat or protected seedbed. Lift and plant into containers when roots and sprouts form. Protect until the plants become well settled.
Plant purchased or homegrown five-gallon containers.
Deciduous species can also be started from greenwood cuttings. Start evergreen species from semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

TRY THESE SPECIES:

Cupleaf Lilac (Ceanothus greggii) is one of our local natives with white blooms. It grows up to eight feet tall.
Chaparral whitethorn (Ceanothus leucodermus) is also common in our area. It has blue flowers and grows up to twelve feet tall.
Ramona lilac (Ceanothus tomentosus) is also common in our area. It has blue or white flowers and grows up to nine feet tall.

SOURCES:

Local nurseries; Mail order sources.