Plant of the Month - Ceanothus
This month, we’re celebrating a true garden gem that brings a burst of blue to spring borders—Ceanothus, commonly known as the California Lilac. Though native to North America, particularly California’s sun-baked hillsides, this versatile shrub has become a firm favourite in British gardens thanks to its vibrant flowers, compact form, and surprising resilience.
A Blue Wonder for British Gardens
Ceanothus is best known for its profusion of vivid blue flowers, which appear in dense clusters from late spring into early summer. Depending on the variety, shades can range from soft powder blue to rich indigo, with some cultivars even offering white or pinkish blooms. In full flower, a mature Ceanothus is nothing short of a showstopper, and its sweet fragrance adds to the sensory delight.
Pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, love it just as much as we do, making it a brilliant choice for wildlife-friendly gardening.
A Wide Range of Varieties
Ceanothus comes in many shapes and sizes, from low-growing ground cover types to upright shrubs and small trees. This makes it easy to find one that fits your garden’s style and space.
- Ceanothus ‘Puget Blue’ – A popular evergreen variety with deep blue flowers and a bushy habit, great for hedging or structural planting.
- Ceanothus ‘Skylark’ – Compact and free-flowering, perfect for smaller gardens or mixed borders.
- Ceanothus ‘Yankee Point’ – A spreading ground cover variety, ideal for sunny banks or covering large areas.
Most garden varieties in the UK are evergreen, meaning they’ll provide year-round structure and greenery, even when not in flower.
A Wide Range of Varieties
Ceanothus comes in many shapes and sizes, from low-growing ground cover types to upright shrubs and small trees. This makes it easy to find one that fits your garden’s style and space.
- Ceanothus ‘Puget Blue’ – A popular evergreen variety with deep blue flowers and a bushy habit, great for hedging or structural planting.
- Ceanothus ‘Skylark’ – Compact and free-flowering, perfect for smaller gardens or mixed borders.
- Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’ – Hardy, dense evergreen shrub, producing powder blue flowers from May to June and again in autumn.
Most garden varieties in the UK are evergreen, meaning they’ll provide year-round structure and greenery, even when not in flower.
Growing Conditions & Care
Ceanothus thrives best in full sun and well-drained soil. Although it hails from a much warmer climate, it’s surprisingly hardy in most parts of the UK—especially in southern and coastal regions. Shelter from cold, drying winds is appreciated, so planting near a wall or fence can help, particularly in colder areas.
Avoid overly rich or wet soil, as Ceanothus dislikes having “wet feet”. Once established, it's relatively drought-tolerant and requires minimal care—just a light prune after flowering to keep it tidy and encourage bushy growth.
Because most varieties don’t enjoy being moved once established, be sure to plant it in a spot where it has room to grow to its full potential.
Great for Low-Maintenance Gardens
Ceanothus is ideal for low-maintenance or Mediterranean-style gardens. It pairs beautifully with silver-foliaged plants like lavender and rosemary, and looks stunning against warm brick walls or in a coastal garden setting.
Final Thoughts
Ceanothus is a brilliant choice for gardeners looking to add colour, structure, and pollinator appeal without the fuss. With its dazzling blue flowers, evergreen foliage, and easy-going nature, it’s no wonder this Californian native has won the hearts of UK gardeners.
Plant one now and enjoy a spring spectacle that brings a bit of West Coast sunshine to your British garden.
