A plant for every purpose

Ceanothus, also known as California lilac among other names, is the granddaddy of hybridized natives now reaching their peak blooming season. Hybrids were first introduced in the 1830s. Today, there are scores of choices available for hedges, ground cover

By Written by Sharon Crawford Photographed by Lance Kinney Additional photos courtesy of David Fross

Ceanothus, sometimes called California lilac, was the first California native plant to be hybridized for gardens.

Early Spanish explorers and pioneer settlers noted that various types of this dark green plant with small, fragrant flowers were used by native tribes for basketry, cleansing and for medicinal purposes.

British plant explorers first recognized the plant’s ornamental potential, introducing ceanothus to European hybridizers in the 1830s. California growers didn’t explore the horticultural value of ceanothus until almost a century later, but some of the earliest hybrids they developed are sold in nurseries today, even as new varieties are introduced.

With dozens of choices available, selecting between the many varieties of ceanothus can be bewildering. With the peak flowering season for ceanothus just beginning, now is the time to look and make notes. Although autumn is considered the best time for planting in general, the Central

Coast’s climate lends itself to planting ceanothus at all times of year.

Most ceanothus are blue, but shades can range from deep blue to white and include lavenders and pinks. There’s a ceanothus for every purpose, from ground covers to bushes for screening to 15-foot tall specimen trees.

In deciding where to plant ceanothus, aim to approximate conditions similar to those where the plants are found in the wild. Most grow on well-draining hillsides that receive little summer irrigation. Root rot, because of poorly draining clay soil or from summer watering, is the primary reason ceanothus fails in gardens.

Newly planted ceanothus will require regular water to become established, but gradually decreasing the amount of water and increasing the interval between waterings will help them acclimate. Mature plants may benefit from occasional summer water, but soil should become dry between watering.

Fertilizing is rarely necessary because ceanothus roots have nitrogen-fixing nodules that allow them to thrive in poor soil. After plants are established, regular dead-heading of finished blossoms will direct the plant’s vigor to new growth rather than seed production. Many will benefit from annual pruning to maintain an attractive, compact form.

Unfortunately, deer will eat any ceanothus that they can reach, especially young plants fresh from the nursery. New plantings should be protected with chicken wire. Plants with tiny and/or spiny leaves are less attractive to deer, and browsing damage is less conspicuous on them than on large-leaved varieties.