Ceanothus 'Autumnal Blue'
Californian lilac
Delivery options
- Standard £5.95
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: August to October
- Hardiness: fully hardy
This handsome, evergreen shrub has fluffy clusters of sky-blue flowers from August to October and small, glossy, bright green leaves. It has a strong, upright habit and is ideal for training on a sunny wall, or for the back of a south or west-facing shrub border. Although it is one of the hardier varieties of Californian lilac, it does need protection from strong winds.
Dig a planting hole to the depth of the pot, ensuring the compost level of the rootball is just below the soil level. Break up the bottom of the planting hole with a fork to encourage better root penetration/establishment. Lightly condition the hole and backfill with some well-rotted garden compost/alternative soil conditioner and also adding some root grow/mycorrhizal fungi to the planting hole. In spring, remove any dead or damaged stems, cut back some of the main stems to the base and reduce the stems on the previous year's growth to within 2-4 buds of the older wood.