Ceanothus 'Puget Blue'
Californian lilac
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Flowering period: April to June
- Hardiness: Frost hardy (may need winter protection)
In mid-spring, this spreading, evergreen shrub is an arresting sight, smothered in dense clusters of dark blue flowers. It makes a superb informal hedge or specimen plant for a south or west-facing border among spring-flowering bulbs, and even after it's finished flowering, it provides an excellent foil for those shrubs and perennials that come into bloom later in the year. It needs a protected site, as the deeply veined, dark green leaves are easily scorched by cold, drying winds.
To find out more about how to plant a hedge, click here
To find out more about how to plant a hedge, click here
Each year after the plant has flowered, reduce the shoots by one third and apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plant in autumn.