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Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens (Creeping Blue Blossom)

Blueblossom, Bluebrush, Blue Blossom, Creeping Blue Blossom, Ceanothus repens

AGM Award
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens, Blueblossom, Bluebrush, Blue Blossom, Creeping Blue Blossom, Ceanothus repens, Blue Flowers, Fragrant Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens (Creeping Blue Blossom) is a low-growing, evergreen shrub noted for its abundant clusters of fluffy sky blue flowers from mid-spring to early summer. The flowers are so profuse that they literally cover the shrub, transforming the plant into an explosion of blue. The blooms are borne on horizontal arching branches clad with shining dark green leaves. Attractive to birds and butterflies, Creeping Blue Blossom makes an excellent evergreen ground cover. It is also useful on banks and slopes or in the foreground in mixed borders.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 6-10 ft. wide (180-300 cm).
  • Thrives in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Appreciates afternoon shade in hot summer areas. Grows well in sand or clay. Established plants need little summer water (once or twice a month). Drought tolerant.
  • Excellent choice as a groundcover, for wall-side borders, bank stabilization or in butterfly gardens.
  • Prune immediately after flowering.
  • Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Keep an eye out for scale insects, honey fungus and Phytophthora root disease.
  • Native to California, Oregon.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 11
Heat Zones 3 - 10
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, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Spacing 72" - 120"
(180cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants California, United States, Pacific Northwest, Oregon
Tolerance Drought, Clay Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden
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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

Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift)
Iris douglasiana (Douglas Iris)
Aquilegia formosa (Western Columbine)
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry)
Lupinus albifrons (Silver Lupine)
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Stunning Blue Flowers to Enhance Your Garden’s Beauty
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
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 7 - 11
Heat Zones 3 - 10
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, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
Spacing 72" - 120"
(180cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants California, United States, Pacific Northwest, Oregon
Tolerance Drought, Clay Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden
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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