Overview
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens is a bushy shrub in the genus Ceanothus, part of the Rhamnaceae family, with evergreen or deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 4.5 m tall. Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, erosion control and rock gardens. It is native to California and USA.
About
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus, known as blueblossom or blue blossom ceanothus, is an evergreen shrub in the buckthorn family Rhamnaceae that is endemic to Oregon and California in the US. The terms 'Californian lilac' and 'Mountain lilac' are also applied to this and other varieties of ceanothus, though it is not closely related to Syringa, the true lilac.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
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
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous
- Height
- 4.5 m
- Suggested uses
- Groundcover, Erosion control, Rock gardens
- Native to
- California, USA
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soils; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens?
Prefers well-drained soils; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.
Where is the best place to plant Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens?
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens need?
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
How big does Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens grow?
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens reaches a height of 4.5 m.
Is Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens hardy in the UK?
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens?
Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
More in the Ceanothus genus
- Ceanothus 'Madagascar'California Lilac
- Ceanothus x pallidus 'La Géant'
- Ceanothus 'Eleanor Taylor'Californian lilac 'Eleanor Taylor'