Ceanothus delilianus Henri Desfossé

Ceanothus 'Henri Desfossé' is a deciduous shrub with a bushy habit that charms with its long-lasting deep blue flowering until autumn. With foliage that is mostly deciduous in winter, it is more cold-resistant than evergreen Californian ceanothus, but requires soil which is rich, and moist in summer to reach its full potential. Its large powdery panicles of slightly scented flowers, are highly appreciated by butterflies and bees. It is an excellent companion for roses in shrub borders and fits well in a small hedge.

Ceanothus x delilianus 'Henri Desfossé' is a horticultural hybrid resulting from the cross-breeding between the very hardy Ceanothus americanus, widely spread in North America, and the C. caeruleus, native to Central America (Mexico), which is much more frost-sensitive. 'Henri Desfossé' does not like overly dry and/or chalky soils, nor heavy, clayey and overly wet soils. This hybrid can withstand short freezes of around -12°C (10.4°F).

It is a bushy plant with a slightly open habit, of medium growth rate, whose lifespan rarely exceeds twenty years. A mature specimen will measure about 1.50m (4ft 11in) in all directions. From spring onwards, its branches bear tender green, ovate leaves with three veins, arranged alternately and measuring 8 to 10cm (3.1 to 3.9in) long. They generally fall in autumn, depending on the climate. The decorative interest of this ceanothus lies in its beautiful and long flowering which often starts in late July and can continue in successive waves until October. It consists of light and erect panicles measuring 10 to 15cm (3.9 to 5.9in), located in the axils of the leaves and at the terminal part of the branches of the year. Each one is composed of a multitude of tiny dark blue-violet flowers with 5 petals with prominent stamens which are slightly fragrant and nectar-rich. The flowers are followed by fruits that are woody capsules with 3 valves.

The Ceanothus 'Henri Desfossé' is a compact bush, well suited for small gardens and shrub borders. Its deep blue flowering beautifully complements that of roses. Combine it with several shrubs of different colours and shapes for a beautiful effect in a border or on a sunny slope. Consider buddleias, lilacs, deutzias, dwarf Cotinus and mock oranges, for example.

Tip: Prune it close to the ground in early spring if it has been damaged by winter. Be careful, a specimen that has completely frozen does not regenerate from the stump. Avoid planting it in the centre of an overly watered lawn.