About

Ceanothus 'A.T. Johnson' is a robust evergreen shrub that typically reaches heights and widths of approximately 2.5 meters. Its leaves are oval-shaped with a glossy green surface, measuring up to 3 centimeters in length, and feature a greyish, downy texture on the underside. This cultivar produces clusters of vibrant blue flowers, arranged in both lateral and terminal panicles that can grow 5 to 6 centimeters long. The blooming period extends through late spring and again from late summer into autumn.

About the genus

Ceanothus consists of either evergreen or deciduous shrubs and small trees, characterized by simple leaves and clusters of small flowers that can be blue, pink, or white. These plants are known for their rapid growth, though they often have a limited lifespan.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from strong, cold winds. Lime tolerant but may become chlorotic on shallow chalk soils. See ceanothus cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 8 after flowering or pruning group 13 if wall trained
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in mid to late summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus