Overview
Ceanothus 'Blue Mound' is a bushy shrub in the genus Ceanothus, part of the Rhamnaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ceanothus 'Blue Mound' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens, coastal gardens and drought-tolerant landscapes.
About
A compact, evergreen shrub with dense, rounded form and small, glossy green leaves. Produces abundant clusters of bright blue flowers in spring.
About the genus
Ceanothus is a genus of about 50–60 species of nitrogen-fixing shrubs and small trees in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae). Common names for members of this genus are buckbrush, California lilac, soap bush, or just ceanothus. The genus is native to North America, ranging from Canada and the United States south through Mexico to Panama, with the center of diversity in the California floristic province of the western United States and Mexico, where around ~42 species are endemic out of the roughly ~58 species in the genus.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ceanothus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ceanothus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ceanothus
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Ceanothus 'Blue Mound' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, coastal gardens, drought-tolerant landscapes
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ceanothus 'Blue Mound'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny, sheltered position. Avoid heavy, wet soils.
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ceanothus 'Blue Mound'?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny, sheltered position. Avoid heavy, wet soils.
Where is the best place to plant Ceanothus 'Blue Mound'?
Ceanothus 'Blue Mound' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ceanothus 'Blue Mound' need?
Ceanothus 'Blue Mound' grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Ceanothus 'Blue Mound'?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Ceanothus 'Blue Mound' hardy in the UK?
Ceanothus 'Blue Mound' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Ceanothus 'Blue Mound'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
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More in the Ceanothus genus
- Ceanothus 'Madagascar'California Lilac
- Ceanothus x pallidus 'La Géant'
- Ceanothus 'Eleanor Taylor'Californian lilac 'Eleanor Taylor'