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Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens - Californian Lilac

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Repens
California Lilac, Carmel Ceanothus

55 reviews
4,7/5
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3 reviews
3 reviews
1 reviews
1 reviews

Excellent on all levels.

Milu , 09/03/2024

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

Value-for-money
The Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens, a bush producing abundant sky blue flowers, a good ground cover.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
1 m
Spread at maturity
1.20 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -9°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil
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Recommended planting time March to May, September to October
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Flowering time May to June
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Description

The Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens is a shrub with arched branches. With a creeping habit, it has slow growth. In spring, abundant sky blue flowers gathered in panicles 3 to 8cm (1.2 - 3.1in) long emerge. Its foliage is evergreen with dark green colour, shiny on the top and slightly fuzzy underneath. The small leaves are 3 to 4 cm (1.2 - 1.6 in) long and have three veins.

 

Originally from California, the Ceanothus repens is a semi-hardy shrub and can freeze in cold regions with wet winters. It tolerates humidity (foggy weather) and drought when well-established. At maturity, the creeping Ceanothus, can reach 1m (3.3ft) in height.

It is an ideal bush for pots and planters. Being a good ground cover, it can also be positioned in coastal gardens, rockeries, or as borders and low hedges.

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens - Californian Lilac in pictures

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens - Californian Lilac (Flowering) Flowering
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens - Californian Lilac (Foliage) Foliage
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens - Californian Lilac (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1 m
Spread at maturity 1.20 m
Habit creeping
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour blue
Flowering time May to June
Flower size 3 cm
Fragrance slightly scented
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Ceanothus

Species

thyrsiflorus

Cultivar

Repens

Family

Rhamnaceae

Other common names

California Lilac, Carmel Ceanothus

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

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Planting and care

The creeping Ceanothus is planted in autumn or spring in a sunny or partially shaded position. Plant it in fertile, warm, well-drained soil. It tolerates chalk but not in excess. The Ceanothus is easy to grow. It may partially freeze in cold regions but regenerates well.

Planting period

Recommended planting time March to May, September to October

Intended location

Type of use Border, Container, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -9°C (USDA zone 8b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Rich in nutrients, soil is an essential element for the growth and development of plants. It provides them with the necessary minerals and water, as well as a stable support for their roots.

Care

Pruning instructions This bush does not require pruning, however, you can prune after flowering to maintain the compact shape of the plant and refresh it by removing dead wood.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time July to August
Soil moisture Dry soil
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,7/5

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