Ceanothus 'Joyce Coulter'

Common Name:
Wild lilac
Plant Type:
Evergreen shrub
Family:
Rhamnaceae (The Buckthorn Family)
Geographic Origin:
California
California Native?:
Yes

Plant Size:
2-4 feet high by 8 feet+ wide
Landscape/Garden Uses:
ground cover
Flowering Season:
Spring

Flower Color:
Bright blue
Exposure:
Full sun
Soils:
Well-drained soil

Suggested Irrigation:
Occasional to no watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 15 degrees F. or less

This is one of the old standards among the ceanothus, somewhat eclipsed by newer selections but still a valuable landscaping shrub. It normally grows 4-5 feet tall and at least 8 feet wide. Large, nearly rectangular leaves, deeply textured but lacquered in surface, are closely set along the stems. Flowers are only a medium true blue in color (how jaded we've become with so many selections to choose from), but abundant. The most striking features of this plant are the foliage and exceptionally good response to any degree of pruning, even hedging.