Ceanothus papillosus “Roweanus” – Californian Lilac
Abundant dense heads of bright blue flower clusters in spring, contrast with the dark foliage.
Habit:
This is a large shrub or small tree, typically growing to 4-3M tall and wide. It presents as a dense block of dark green foliage when not in flower. When in flower it is almost completely covered in bright blue flowers, which very unusual – Wisteria is a climber, Hydrangeas are smaller, Lilac are not this bright blue, and Plumbago is smaller and also not this bright blue.
Origins:
C. papillosus is endemic to California, where it grows in open habitat on the slopes of the coastal mountain ranges. It is in the Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) – It is not a Lilac. It is loved by bees, absolutely humming on a sunny morning when in flower.
Soil / Aspect:
C. papillosus thrives in full sun and low rainfall and requires good drainage. It is tolerant of coastal exposure, and tolerates frosts down to -10°C. This is a nitrogen fixing shrub which survives on poor soils. It is a tough plant.
Maintenance:
Whilst this plant can be left to its own devices, it can be a bit much for most gardens. We give it a hard prune after flowering each year. It is often limbed-up (the lower branches removed to reveal bare stems) to allow it to be underplanted, as with Plectranthus cilliatus in our garden.