Ceanothus Autumnal Blue (California Lilac)

Fast-growing, award-winner Ceanothus ‘Autumnal Blue’ (California Lilac) is a bushy, medium-sized evergreen shrub noted for its abundant, fluffy clusters of sky-blue flowers in late summer and early fall. The flowers are so profuse that they literally cover the bush, creating a breathtaking floral display.

Fast-growing, award-winner Ceanothus 'Autumnal Blue' (California Lilac) is a bushy, medium-sized evergreen shrub noted for its abundant, fluffy clusters of sky-blue flowers in late summer and early fall. The flowers are so profuse that they literally cover the bush, creating a breathtaking floral display. Featuring a strong, upright habit, this very pretty California Lilac is clad with small, glossy, bright green leaves. Usually ignored by deer, this pretty shrub is prized by birds, butterflies and hummingbirds. A great California Lilac selection for the late season garden.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 10 ft. tall and wide (300 cm).
  • Thrives in average, well-drained soils in full sun. Provide a sheltered position. Although hardy, this California lilac produces the most spectacular display if given a sheltered site with protection from cold winds. Requires little or no water in summer. Drought tolerant.
  • Excellent plant for sunny areas, ideal as a specimen plant, wall-side borders.
  • Easy to grow, this plant is difficult to transplant once established.
  • Prune after flowering.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
  • Watch for scale insects, honey fungus and Phytophthora root disease.

Requirements

Hardiness 8
– 10

Heat Zones 8
– 9

Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Ceanothus – California Lilac
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)Fall
Height 10'
(3m)
Spread 10'
(3m)
Spacing 120″ (300cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden