Ceanothus Burkwoodii

ceanothus 'Burkwoodii', also known as Californian lilac, stands out for its long summer flowering which is rare for ceanothus, in abundant panicles of bright light blue, tinged with mauve. This evergreen bush grows rapidly into a compact, medium-sized bush, making it interesting for mass planting, informal hedges and solitary planting. Ceanothus plants thrive in warm and sunny locations, in dry, well-drained soil without limestone. It is best suited for gardens in mild climates or elsewhere in sheltered locations, trained against a south-facing wall.

Ceanothus plants belong to the rhamnaceae family, they are cousins of our buckthorn (Neprun purgatif), and grow in dry, well-drained environments such as scrub vegetation relying on rainwater once well-rooted. A constantly wet soil and daily or too frequent watering once the plant is established will generally lead to its demise. Like most evergreen hybrids, it is not very hardy, tolerating minimum temperatures of -7°C (19.4°F).

The ceanothus 'Burkwoodii' has a medium growth rate and a compact bushy habit. When mature, it reaches a height of 1m (3.3ft) with a spread of 2m (6.5ft). It is a relatively short-lived bush, living no longer than about ten years. Its flowers appear from July and regularly bloom until September, in the form of panicles measuring 5 to 6cm (2 to 2.4in) at the ends of the branches. This abundant flowering attracts many pollinating insects. It is followed by the formation of seeds which are explosively released. The evergreen foliage contrasts beautifully with the bright flowers. The foliage consists of small, alternate, ovate, leaves that are 3 to 4cm (1.2 to 1.6in) long and dark green. Ceanothus plants tolerate light pruning of faded flowers and obstructive branches.

Because the love for blue blooms is ongoing, horticulturists have 'invented' beautiful ceanothus varieties in recent years, which are easier to acclimate and of more modest dimensions, suitable for our gardens and terraces. The 'Burkwoodii' ceanothus is a beautiful subject to plant in a mass of easy-to-grow shrubs in mild climates: the Buddleia officinalis (pale pink, starting in February), the Fremontodendron californicum (in April-May-June), the coronillas (in April), shrubby rockroses (Cistus laurifolius, in May), as well as junipers and strawberry trees. The golden foliage of the Choisya ternata 'Goldfinger' and the yellow blooms of hypericums will contrast beautifully with its intense blue flowers. In a wild-style garden, consider combining it with the more free-growing habits of Spanish brooms, silver elaeagnus, rosemary, cortaderias, and the spiky silhouettes of yuccas.