Ceanothus Victoria (California Lilac)

Regarded as one of the hardiest of the California Lilacs, Ceanothus ‘Victoria’ is a vigorous, bushy, evergreen shrub noted for its abundant clusters of brilliant indigo blue flowers in late spring and early summer. The flowers are so profuse that they literally cover the bush, creating a breathtaking floral display.

Regarded as one of the hardiest of the California Lilacs, Ceanothus 'Victoria' is a vigorous, bushy, evergreen shrub noted for its abundant clusters of brilliant indigo 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 gracefully arching branches clad with shiny, dark green leaves. Usually ignored by deer, this pretty shrub is prized by birds, butterflies and hummingbirds. A fast grower, this spectacular shrub is extremely drought tolerant once established. A great California Lilac selection for coastal gardens.

  • 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.
  • Prune after flowering.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
  • Watch for scale insects, honey fungus and Phytophthora root disease.

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 10

Heat Zones 8
– 11

Climate Zones 4, 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 (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 4'
– 6'
(120cm
– 180cm)
Spread 9'
– 12'
(270cm
– 3.6m)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, 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