1. * San Diego Ceanothus – Ceanothus cyaneus
( see-an-OH-thus sy-AN-ee-us)
Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
Native to: S. Peninsular Ranges, San Diego Co. ; rare on dry shrubby slopes to 1200'. Often in
dense chaparral with Chamise. Manzanita other shrubs.
large woody shrub/tree
mature height: 8-15 ft. mature width: 6-8 ft.
Tall, erect evergreen shrub/small tree.
Bark gray-green. Branches long, open-branched, almost
wand-like. Leaves toothed or smooth, darker green above and lighter beneath. Fast growth.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms primarily in spring (Mar-June) but may bloom off and on to Nov. in
gardens. Flowers in bunches on 6-8 inch stems above the foliage; shape typical for Ceanothus.
Flowers begin as dark blue buds becoming medium blue in full-flower. Very showy.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: One of the prettier Ceanothus for garden use, with long bloom season and very
showy blooms. Good as a large evergreen shrub in bigger gardens, particularly in coastal areas.
Great on slopes.
Open growth habit makes it a good choice for training as a narrow screen or
espalier - looks great with Fremontias. Train also as small tree. Cultivar ‘Sierra Blue’ is a hybrid –
does well in heavy soils. Cultivar ‘Cal Poly’, also a hybrid, is good for well-drained soils along coast.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native evergreen shrubs; other Ceanothus.
Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.
insects, particularly bees.
Attracts:
Flowers attract pollinator
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun (best) to part shade.
Most soils including clays.
Little needed after establishment (Zone 1-2 best)
Likes an organic mulch; leaf mulch is great.
Management:
Prune to shape after blooming in summer. Can tip/heading prune for denser shape.
Propagation: from seed: needs heat/smoke treatment
by cuttings: softwood in summer
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 13, 20, 24
11/29/10
* Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co.
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