Ceanothus Julia Phelps (Small Leaf Mountain Lilac)
Beautiful, fragrant and very rewarding, Ceanothus 'Julia Phelps' (Small Leaf Mountain Lilac) is a densely branched evergreen shrub noted for its abundant clusters of deep cobalt-blue flowers in mid to late spring. Attracting bees and butterflies, the blossoms are so profuse that they literally cover the shrub for an outstanding display. Forming a large mound, its stiff branches are clothed with tiny dark green leaves, 1/2 in. long (1 cm), that are heavily wrinkled. Perfect for the waterwise or xeric landscape, Julia Phelps Ceanothus offers gorgeous possibilities as an ornamental. It is well suited as a background shrub, screen and slope plantings. One of the most popular Ceanothus cultivar grown in California gardens, it also provides seeds as well as cover for birds.
- Grows with a dense, rounded habit, up to 6-8 ft. tall and wide (180-240 cm). May grow up to 12 ft. wide (360 cm).
- Thrives in well-drained soils in full sun. Requires good drainage and low to non-existent summer irrigation. Sensitive to too much water. Drought tolerant once established.
- Excellent plant for sunny areas, banks and slopes, hedges and screens.
- Easy to grow, this plant is difficult to transplant once established.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 8 – 10 |
|---|---|
| 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 | Spring (Mid,Late) |
| Height | 6' – 8' (180cm – 240cm) |
| Spread | 6' – 8' (180cm – 240cm) |
| Spacing | 72″ – 96″ (180cm – 240cm) |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Drought |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden |