Shrub
Blueblossom Ceanothus
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
A spring cloud of blue on a fast evergreen shrub. California's hardiest large wild lilac.
- Pollinator
- Native
- Evergreen
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 8–10
- Water
- Very low once established
- Sun
- Full sun to Part sun
- Size
- 6–20 ft tall × 8–20 ft wide
- Bloom & interest
- Clouds of sky-blue to deep-blue flower clusters in spring
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Native range
- Native to coastal California and southwest Oregon
Why we recommend it
The hardiest and most adaptable large California lilac, with a spectacular spring bloom that feeds native bees and no summer water once established. Compact selections such as 'Skylark' and 'Victoria' suit smaller yards; the hybrid 'Concha' is another reliable choice.
Best regions: Southern CaliforniaPacific coast
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Plant in fall; water every 1–2 weeks the first dry season, then stop. Summer irrigation on established plants invites root rot.
Pruning
Prune lightly right after flowering, only into green growth; it does not resprout from old wood.
Soil
Well-drained soil; tolerates clay on slopes. Expect a 10–15 year lifespan.
Pairs well with
Read more
Where to buy
Shop Blueblossom Ceanothus from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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