If you’re looking for a stunning flowering plant that is fast-growing, easy to care for, and long-lasting, then you’ve come to the right place: Ceanothus! This gorgeous shrub can be planted in full sun or partial shade and will make an impressive addition to your garden.
Ceanothus comes in both deciduous and evergreen varieties, with dark green glossy leaves and deep cobalt blue flower clusters in late spring. Deciduous species can live for up to ten to fifteen years, while evergreen varieties may have a slightly shorter lifespan. Regardless of which type you choose, Ceanothus is a hardy plant that can tolerate clay soils and even limited deer browsing.
It’s important to note that Ceanothus requires a sheltered location away from frost pockets and strong winds. Against a south-facing wall is ideal, as this will provide the best conditions for growth. Furthermore, these plants are fast-growing but not long-lived; therefore it’s advised not to prune them back too hard or they won’t recover.
All things considered, Ceanothus is an excellent choice of shrub if you want someting attractive yet low maintenance in your garden. With its vibrant blooms and versatile nature, it’s sure to add beauty and character wherever it’s planted. So why not give Ceanothus a try? You won’t regret it!
The Best Place to Plant Ceanothus
The best place to plant Ceanothus is in a full sun location, sheltered from strong winds and frost pockets. An ideal spot would be aganst a south-facing wall, as it will benefit from the most sun during the day. Ceanothus can be disappointing in a shady spot, so make sure you choose a sunny spot for your plant!
Source: ft.com
Height of Ceanothus Plants
Ceanothus ‘Concha’ typically grows 3-6 feet tall. It is an adaptable garden-worthy cultivar and can tolerate limited deer browsing.
Lifespan of Ceanothus
The lifespan of Ceanothus varies depending on the species. Deciduous varieties typically live for 10-15 years, while evergreen varieties tend to have a maximum lifespan of around 10 years.
Cutting Back Ceanothus
Yes, you can cut back ceanothus, but it is not advisable to prune evergreen ceanothus hard as it will not recover and should be replaced with a new plant. Deciduous ceanothus can be pruned back harder, but it will take some time to grow back. When pruning ceanothus, it is important to be careful and make sure that you are only removing dead or unwanted branches.
Does Ceanothus Bloom Twice?
Yes, Ceanothus flowers can bloom twice a year! With plenty of light and space, they are extremely prolific and will flower in the spring as well as in the late summer or early fall. They also attract a variety of butterflies with ther fragrant blue blossoms.
Source: thedangergarden.com
Selecting the Best Ceanothus for a Hedge
The best Ceanothus for a hedge is Californian Lilac, as it is regarded as the hardiest of all Ceanothus hedge plants. It looks great trained against walls and fences, making it an ideal choice for hedges.
The Sun Requirements of Ceanothus
Yes, Ceanothus needs full sun. Plant it in a position out of strong winds and make sure the soil is not too wet. It will thrive best when gven plenty of sunlight.
Companion Planting with Ceanothus
The bright blue flowers of Ceanothus look fantastic next to Clematis Montana, but there are a number of other plants that also work well with this striking shrub. Consider adding other evergreen shrubs like Hebe, Choisya, and Euonymus japonicus to provide subtle texture and colour contrast. Alternatively, try adding ornamental grasses such as Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ or Stipa tenuissima for a more contemporary feel. To add further interest add colourful perennials such as Coreopsis grandiflora ‘Early Sunrise’ or Geranium ‘Rozanne’. All these plants will thrive in the same conditions as Ceanothus and create an eye-catching display.
Troubleshooting a Lack of Flowering in Ceanothus
Ceanothus is an unpredictable shrub, so it can be difficult to know why it is not flowering. It could be due to a number of reasons, including lack of sunlight, improper pruning, or inadequate soil conditions. It’s important to ensure that the Ceanothus is getting at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and that the soil has adequate drainage and fertility. If you have pruned the thicker branches, this may have affected its ability to flower as they need a good balance between foliage and flowers. If you are still having issues with flowering, cosider applying a fertilizer specifically designed for Ceanothus to help encourage blooming.
Training Ceanothus Against a Wall
To train Ceanothus against a wall, start by setting up horizontal wires aong the wall. Tie in the main shoot vertically, then fan out the side branches and tie them in as well. Once the shrub has flowered, remove any branches that are growing away from the wall and tie in new shoots to fill any gaps. This will help to create a neat, dense shape that looks attractive against your wall.
The Best Varieties of Ceanothus
The best Ceanothus is Blue Mound, a spreading small-leaved evergreen. This variety offers dark purple-green evergreen leaves on arching stems and deep purple-blue honey-scented flowers. Its small size makes it perfect for planting in most gardens, and its vibrant color will bring a splash of life to any outdoor space. It is also very easy to maintain, requiring minimal care and attention. For those looking for something unique, the variegated dwarf form of Cool Blue would be a great choice as well.
The Benefits of Ceanothus as a Hedge Plant
Yes, Ceanothus makes an excellent hedge! They are relatively fast growing and can reach a height of up to 150cm wihin a few years with some formative trimming. Plant 2-3 plants per metre in a sheltered garden with well drained soil, and you’ll have a beautiful, dense hedge in no time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ceanothus are a fast-growing yet short-lived flower that need full sun and a sheltered location away from frost pockets and strong winds to thrive. They are quite adaptable to clay soil and can tolerate limited deer browsing. Pruning should be kept to a minimum for evergreen varieties as they won’t recover from hard pruning, while deciduous varieties can be pruned back harder but will take longer to recover. With the right care, these beautiful flowers will add vibrant color to your garden.
