Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var.repens creeping blueblossom (Californian lilac)

Creeping blueblossom is a beautiful, true blue flowering mounding shrub. It grows about 0.5m tall and spreads 1-2m wide. New branches are soft and drooping. Flowers are dense panicles of tiny, sky blue blossoms and appear in warmer days of late spring. Leaves are mid to deep green, obovate or rounded, very glossy.

It grows best in well-drained, but moist, lime-free, rich in humus soil. It seems to be one of the hardiest evergreen clones but still it needs our help for winter. Mulch it well and for the coldest days of winter cover it with white woven or fir branches, but never for too long. The plants must have some sunlight even in winter. The best protection is when it is covered with snow. Plants with stems must overwinter indoors if grown in zones 6 and lower. Fully hardy to -18°C (USDA zone 7) or -23 °C with protection.

Last update 15-01-2009