Ceanothus griseus
Carmel ceanothus
Vigorous evergreen shrub to 3m tall and wide, with dark green leaves to 5cm long, grey-silky on the reverse, and pale lilac-blue to dark blue flowers in dense clusters in late spring and early summer
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Blue | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Ceanothus can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees, with simple leaves and small blue, pink or white flowers in profuse axillary or terminal clusters. They are fast-growing but may be short-lived
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C California
How to grow
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
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in mid- to late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 8 after flowering or pruning group 13 for wall-trained
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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