Ceanothus oliganthus (Hairy Ceanothus)

Ceanothus oliganthus (Hairy Ceanothus) is an upright, intricately branched, evergreen shrub with a spreading crown. It is prized for its abundant rounded to cylindrical clusters packed with pale to purple-blue flowers in early spring to early summer. The flowers are so profuse that they literally cover the shrub, transforming the plant into an explosion of blue. The evergreen leaves are small, 1.5 in. long (4 cm), broadly oblong, with a leathery texture. They are dark green on top, paler and hairy on the underside, and are edged with hairy teeth. Attractive to bees and butterflies, the flowers give way to capsules. When they dehisce, the ovary pops off and the seeds are explosively ejected. Hairy Ceanothus is endemic to coastal California and typically found on ridges and upper slopes with shallow, well-drained soils. Suitable for revegetation or habitat restoration, Hairy Ceanothus is a valuable plant for use in hedgerows or for bank stabilization. It is an important plant for honey bees and honey production. This species is an important deer browse and provides protective cover for a number of species, including deer and a variety of chaparral rodents.

• Grows up to 10 ft. tall (300 cm) and 12 ft. wide (360 cm).
• Thrives in shallow, gravelly, sandy, well-drained soils in full sun. Highly drought tolerant. Established plants need little summer water (max once per month). Tolerates clay soil.
• Excellent choice for beds and borders, hedges, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens, or bank stabilization.
• Propagate by seed (hot water treatment).
• No serious pest or disease issues. Plants may suffer branch dieback during severe drought years.
• Native to California.