California Lilac

Ceanothus (see-a-NOH-thus de-ly-lee-AY-nus)

Family: Rhamnaceae Unknown Shrub (3-15 ft)

The French Hybrid Ceanothus is a deciduous flowering shrub reaching 5 feet at maturity with an equal spread. It is an artificial hybrid produced from crossing two species of Ceanothus , C. americanus that is native to the eastern United States and C. caeruleus that is native to Mexico and Central America. The resulting hybrid, called a French hybrid, is a rounded shrub with fragrant powder blue flowers that bloom from early summer to early fall. The genus Ceanothus contains about 50 species, most of which are native to California (thus the common name, California Lilac). Most of these species thrive in the climate of California and the Pacific Northwest. However, the French Hybrid Ceanothus grows very well in the Southeastern United States and tolerates that heat and humidity often found in those locations. The genus name comes from keanothos, which is an ancient Greek name relating to some plants in the buckthorn family. The hybrid name delileanus honors Alire Delile, an eighteenth century French botanist and physician. French Hybrid Ceanothus grows well in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. It does tolerate some part afternoon shade in hot summer climates. It does well in sandy loams or rocky soils with good drainage and prefers even applications of water. The plant's thick, woody roots go deep in the soil and help the plant withstand drought conditions, but make established shrubs difficult to transplant. You should site the plant in locations protected from strong winds. It is drought tolerant and flowers on new growth, so prune in spring to encourage new growth and more flowers and remove spent flower heads to prolong flowering. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 48 attributes.