Ceanothus plants – more info
Ceanothus plants are at their best in early summer when they blossom. Pollinators love the nectar rich sprays of blue, pinks and purples which top the glossy, dark green leafy stems. Hailing from California, these shrubs are excellent in a drought tolerant garden. See which shrubs to pair with them in our article all about shrub growing. Whether you’re growing your ceanothus as low growing ground cover or as a shrub in the middle of a border, use the info below to help you choose your variety.
Which ceanothus is evergreen?
Ceanothus 'Blue Mound' is an evergreen variety. As the name suggests, this stunning plant is covered in shocking blue blooms towards the latter end of the summer that entice butterflies into the garden. Plant this lovely variety in a sunny, well-drained position towards the back of a mixed border where the small deep green leaves can act as a backdrop to other plants as they come in and out of their season.
What is the hardiest ceanothus?
Choose a deciduous ceanothus for cooler areas. The leaves on these hardier varieties drop during the winter and so avoid any cold damage. Ceanothus x pallidus 'Marie Simon' is a pretty, deciduous option. The fluffy pink flowers sometimes see a second flush later in the summer. Site your deciduous ceanothus in a sheltered, sunny spot away from frost pockets. Ceanothus 'Marie Bleu' is another hardy variety. This hybrid variety has attractive red seed pods which extend the season of interest into late summer.
Best ceanothus for growing in a pot
The best ceanothus for growing a pot is Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. Repens. As a rule, ceanothus plants prefer to be in the ground where they can spread out but the diminutive stature of ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. Repens make it suitable for a container. Make sure the potting mix is very free draining and to place your pot in a sunny spot.
Which ceanothus are best for small spaces?
Check the height at maturity of your ceanothus plants. Choose a plant that has a height of 1.5m at maturity so you can be sure it won’t shade out a small space. If you want to keep your plant a desired size, it won’t mind a light prune. Ceanothus 'Blue Sapphire' is a low-growing, low-maintenance bushy option with electric blue flower puffs in summer that is a great shrub for a small space.
