Ceanothus Dark Star

Ceanothus Dark Star is a hybrid variety of the Californian lilac recently introduced on the European market, and undoubtedly one of the most attractive. This evergreen bush with a spreading habit has a remarkable spring flowering of a deep cobalt blue color, accompanied by a sweet honey scent. The flowering is so abundant that it completely covers the plant, transforming it into a truly blue, fluffy mass where numerous pollinating insects gather. Like all ceanothuses, 'Dark Star' does not have a long lifespan, and its hardiness may be compromised below -10°C (14°F). However, it is perfectly resistant to summer drought once established and can thrive in poor soils.

The Dark Star Ceanothus is a horticultural hybrid, probably resulting from the cross-breeding of C. impressus and C. papillosus var.roweanus, two botanical species native to California. Ceanothuses belong to the Rhamnaceae family, they are cousins of our buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), which rely only on rainwater once established. 'Dark Star' has a bushy and spreading habit, wider than it is tall, supported by flexible branches that arch towards the ground. It is a beautiful bush that can reach a height of 1.50 to 2m (4ft 11in to 6ft 7in), with a spread of 2 to 2.50m (6ft 7in to 8ft 2in). Its lovely pink flower buds appear in May-June, grouped in small dense panicles at the tips of the branches. They open into intensely royal blue flowers, creating an impression of a deep blue-violet overall. This remarkably fragrant flowering is rich in nectar and followed by the formation of seeds which are released explosively. The evergreen foliage is composed of glossy dark green, small, alternate, elongated and finely toothed leaves, with deep veins and measuring 1 to 3cm (0.4 to 1.2in) in length. They resemble miniature oak leaves. Its average lifespan is 15 to 20 years, and it prefers a maritime climate.

Of all the evergreen ceanothus hybrids that we cultivate or have cultivated, 'Dark Star' is one of the most winter-resistant in our gardens. Even during the winters of 2008 and 2009, when we lost other ceanothus varieties.

Because of the ongoing love for blue flowers, horticulturists have 'invented' new ceanothus varieties in recent years that are easier to acclimatize and have more modest dimensions, suitable for our gardens and terraces. The Dark Star Ceanothus can tolerate clay or slightly limestone soils if they are loose. It is a beautiful plant to be planted as a specimen, on a terrace or against a wall. It can also be mixed with a mass of easy-to-grow shrubs, which will precede or take over its magnificent flowering: the Buddleia officinalis (pale pink, from February), the Fremontodendron californicum (in April-May-June), the shrubby cistus (Cistus laurifolius, in May), or even the coronillas and the China rose 'Mutabilis'. It can be placed in a mass planting, as an informal hedge, or by the seaside. This variety will also enhance your balconies and terraces.