Overview
Ceanothus x pallidus 'La Géant' is a plant with a matforming, spreading branched habit in the genus Ceanothus, part of the Rhamnaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ceanothus x pallidus 'La Géant' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include border plants, ground cover and informal hedges.
About
Ceanothus x pallidus 'La Géant' is a mat-forming, spreading-branched evergreen in the Rhamnaceae that forms a low, wide cover. It flowers from April to July. It prefers full sun on well-drained loam or sand and tolerates acid to alkaline soils. Suitable uses include border planting, ground cover or low informal hedging in sheltered, south- or west-facing positions.
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
In the garden
Ceanothus x pallidus 'La Géant' is a mat-forming cultivar of the genus Ceanothus in the Rhamnaceae, notable for its spreading-branched, evergreen habit. It establishes a low, wide layer rather than an upright shrub, making it appropriate where a broad, leaf-bearing ground layer is required. Flowering runs from April to July, providing a sustained display through late spring into early summer. Plant into a sunny, sheltered site facing south or west, where soils are free-draining loam or sand. The cultivar tolerates a wide soil pH range from acid to alkaline but dislikes waterlogged ground, so siting on a slope or raised bed helps ensure drainage. Hardiness is H4 (average), so it is suited to most mainland UK gardens when protected from exposed, frosty winds. Use 'La Géant' at the front of mixed borders, to cover banks and slopes or where a low informal hedge is required; its spreading habit fills gaps between coarser perennials. Place where it receives consistent sunlight and avoid heavy, poorly drained soils to keep foliage dense. The April to July flowering period gives extended seasonal interest in south- and west-facing positions.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ceanothus
- 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
Ceanothus x pallidus 'La Géant' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Matforming, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Border plants, Ground cover, Informal hedges
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ceanothus x pallidus 'La Géant'
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ceanothus x pallidus 'La Géant'?
Ceanothus x pallidus 'La Géant' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ceanothus x pallidus 'La Géant' need?
Ceanothus x pallidus 'La Géant' grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Ceanothus x pallidus 'La Géant' hardy in the UK?
Ceanothus x pallidus 'La Géant' 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 x pallidus 'La Géant'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
