Woolyleaf Ceanothus is a large, woody evergreen shrub native to the foothills of the Western Sierras and San Bernardino Mountains in California. It reaches heights of 6-12 feet with a spread of 6-10 feet. The shrub produces dense foliage and medium blue flowers from February to April that attract pollinators. Woolyleaf Ceanothus is drought tolerant and suitable for dry, sunny areas like slopes, and can be used as a screen, hedge, or espaliered along fences. It provides habitat and food for birds and bees with little care needed beyond occasional summer watering.

1. * Woolyleaf Ceanothus – Ceanothus tomentosus var. olivaceus
(see-an-OH-thus tow-men-TOW-sus oh-live-A-shus )
Family: Rhamaceae (Buckthorn Family)
Native to: Foothills of Western Sierras, San Bernardino Mtns, Newhall, poss. Catalina Isl. ; scattered
on dry, shrubby chaparral slopes below 3,500'.
large woody shrub
mature height: 6-12 ft.
mature width: 6-10 ft.
Woody, evergreen shrub with slender branches and red bark. Foliage dense. Leaves dark green to
olive-green on top, often densely hairy beneath.
Leaves simple. Fast-growing.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in early to mid-spring (Feb-Apr). Flowers may be pale blue but more often
a clear medium blue. Many small flowers typical of Ceanothus species. Flowers are sweetly scented
and attract insect pollinators.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Nice evergreen shrub for dry, sunny areas. Fine on slopes.
Growth form
allows its use as a small tree or espaliered along a wall or fence.
Good choice for an informal
screen or hedgerow – mixed with other drought-tolerant species. Can even shear for a formal
hedge. ‘Cielo’ cultivar has intense blue flowers, tolerates heat well, very showy in bloom.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native large shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food. Loved by bees.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun.
Well-drained; rocky. Local pH are fine.
Best with occasional summer water (Zone 1-2, even 2) but very drought tolerant.
Use an organic mulch.
If desired, prune to shape/shear right after flowering. Start pruning/training plants
the first year for tree shape or to espalier. May require yearly shaping – quick growing.
Management:
Propagation: from seed:
yes ; fresh seed
by cuttings: semi-hardwood in summer are best
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 11, 13, 20, 21, 24
3/26/11
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