Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var.repens creeping blueblossom (Californian lilac)
size/type
low or groundcovering,low or groundcovering
usual height
0,2-0,5m
usual width
1-1,5m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May-June
location
full to partial sun
soil type
acidic (peaty) to neutral
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
8 (down to -18°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant:
Creeping blueblossom is a beautiful, true blue flowering mounding shrub. It grows about 0.5m tall and spreads 1-2m wide. New branches are soft and drooping. Flowers are dense panicles of tiny, sky blue blossoms and appear in warmer days of late spring. Leaves are mid to deep green, obovate or rounded, very glossy. It grows best in well-drained, but moist, lime-free, rich in humus soil. It seems to be one of the hardiest evergreen clones but still it needs our help for winter. Mulch it well and for the coldest days of winter cover it with white woven or fir branches, but never for too long. The plants must have some sunlight even in winter. The best protection is when it is covered with snow. Plants with stems must overwinter indoors if grown in zones 6 and lower. Fully hardy to -18°C (USDA zone 7) or -23 °C with protection.
Last update 15-01-2009
