Ceanothus Skylark (California Lilac)

Dense and compact, Ceanothus ‘Skylark’ is a bushy, evergreen shrub noted for its abundant clusters of cerulean blue flowers in late spring and early summer. The flowers are so profuse that they literally cover the bush, creating a breathtaking floral display. The blooms are borne on branches clad with finely toothed, glossy dark green leaves.

Dense and compact, Ceanothus 'Skylark' is a bushy, evergreen shrub noted for its abundant clusters of cerulean blue flowers in late spring and early summer. The flowers are so profuse that they literally cover the bush, creating a breathtaking floral display. The blooms are borne on branches clad with finely toothed, glossy dark green leaves. Usually ignored by deer, this pretty, dome-shaped shrub is prized by birds, butterflies and hummingbirds. 'Skylark' has a wide tolerance of climates and soil types and performs well both in coastal and interior sites.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 9-12 ft. wide (270-360 cm).
  • Thrives in average, well-drained soils in full sun. Provide a sheltered position. Requires little or no water in summer. Drought tolerant.
  • Excellent plant for sunny areas, ideal as a specimen plant, wall-side borders, banks and slopes, hedges and screens or planted in shrub borders. Perfectly suited to coastal gardens as this plant doesn’t mind salt-laden sea air.
  • Easy to grow, this plant is difficult to transplant once established.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
  • Watch for scale insects, honey fungus and Phytophthora root disease.

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 10

Climate Zones 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, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 4'
– 6'
(120cm
– 180cm)
Spread 9'
– 12'
(270cm
– 3.6m)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Salt
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden