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Ceanothus ‘Autumnal Blue’ (California Lilac)

California Lilac 'Autumnal Blue', Ceanothus arboreus 'Autumnal Blue'

AGM Award
Ceanothus 'Autumnal Blue',  California Lilac 'Autumnal Blue', Ceanothus arboreus 'Autumnal Blue', Blue Flowers, Fragrant Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Fall Flowers

Fast-growing, award-winner Ceanothus ‘Autumnal Blue’ (California Lilac) is a bushy, medium-sized evergreen shrub noted for its abundant, fluffy clusters of sky-blue flowers in late summer and early fall. The flowers are so profuse that they literally cover the bush, creating a breathtaking floral display. Featuring a strong, upright habit, this very pretty California Lilac is clad with small, glossy, bright green leaves. Usually ignored by deer, this pretty shrub is prized by birds, butterflies and hummingbirds. A great California Lilac selection for the late season garden.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 10 ft. tall and wide (300 cm).
  • Thrives in average, well-drained soils in full sun. Provide a sheltered position. Although hardy, this California lilac produces the most spectacular display if given a sheltered site with protection from cold winds. Requires little or no water in summer. Drought tolerant.
  • Excellent plant for sunny areas, ideal as a specimen plant, wall-side borders.
  • 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 8 - 10
Heat Zones 8 - 9
Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Rhamnaceae
Genus Ceanothus
Common names California Lilac
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late), Fall
Height 10' (3m)
Spread 10' (3m)
Spacing 120" (3m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Ceanothus integerrimus (Deerbrush)
Ceanothus oliganthus (Hairy Ceanothus)
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. griseus (Carmel Ceanothus)
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus (Blue Blossom)
Ceanothus cuneatus (Buckbrush)
Ceanothus ‘Remote Blue’ (Mountain Lilac)

Recommended Companion Plants

Anemone hupehensis ‘Praecox’ (Japanese Anemone)
Anemone x hybrida ‘Königin Charlotte’ (Queen Charlotte)

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Ceanothus (California Lilac)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 10
Heat Zones 8 - 9
Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Rhamnaceae
Genus Ceanothus
Common names California Lilac
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late), Fall
Height 10' (3m)
Spread 10' (3m)
Spacing 120" (3m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Ceanothus (California Lilac)
Not sure which Ceanothus (California Lilac) to pick?
Compare Now

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