Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’ (California Lilac)

One of the largest growing California Lilacs, Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’ is a vigorous, evergreen shrub or small tree noted for its abundant clusters of radiant medium blue flowers, up to 5 in. long (12 cm), in late spring and early summer. Opening from rosy buds, the sweetly fragrant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and birds. They are well displayed against the foliage of large, rounded, dark green leaves. Deer love the new growth on this California Lilac. A fast grower, this wonderful shrub is heat tolerant, low maintenance, and extremely drought tolerant. It is regarded by many as one of the most reliable and garden-tolerant ceanothuses. ‘Ray Hartman’ is a hybrid California Lilac variety resulting from a cross between Ceanothus arboreus and Ceanothus griseus.

• Awarded the Award of Merit by the California Horticultural Society (1957).
• Grows with a dense, upright habit, up to 12-20 ft. tall (360-600 cm) and 10-20 ft. wide (300-600 cm).
• Thrives in well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates partial shade, but the best flower production is obtained in full sun. Tolerant of heavy clay as well as light, sandy soil. Provide a sheltered position. Requires little or no water in summer.
• Excellent plant for sunny areas, ideal as a specimen plant, hedges and screens or planted in shrub borders. Perfectly suited to coastal gardens as this plant doesn’t mind salt-laden sea air.
• Easy to grow, this plant is difficult to transplant once established.