Ceanothus Edinburgh

Ceanothus 'Edinburgh' is an evergreen variety that is particularly tall, offering astonishing contrasts from May to June, between its bunches of deep blue flowers and its shiny olive-green leaves. It forms a vigorous and dense bush with an upright habit. Ceanothus plants thrive in warm and sunny locations, in relatively dry, poor, well-drained lime-free soil. It is best suited for gardens in mild climates or in sheltered areas, trained against a south-facing wall.

Ceanothus belongs to the rhamnaceae family, and is related to our buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), growing in dry and well-drained environments such as scrub vegetation, and relying on rainwater once well-rooted. A constantly damp 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 and can withstand minimum temperatures of -7°C (19.4°F). Ceanothus plants tolerate sea spray very well and are ideal for maritime climates.

'Edinburgh' ceanothus has a medium growth rate and a compact bushy habit. When mature, it reaches a height of 3 meters (10ft) with a spread of 2.5 meters (6.5ft) . It is a relatively short-lived bush, living no longer than ten years. Its flowers appear in the form of lateral cymes measuring 5cm (2in). This abundant flowering attracts many pollinating insects. It is followed by the formation of seeds which are explosively released. The evergreen foliage is composed of small alternate, ovate-oblong leaves which are quite long at 7cm (2.8in). Ceanothus plants tolerate light pruning of faded flowers and obstructive branches and flower on the previous year's wood.

Because the love for blue blooms is ongoing, horticulturists have 'invented' beautiful ceanothus varieties in recent years, which are easier to acclimatize and have more modest dimensions, suitable for our gardens and terraces. The 'Edinburgh' ceanothus is a beautiful subject to plant in a mass of easy-to-grow bushes in mild climates: the Buddleia officinalis (pale pink, from February), the Fremontodendron californicum (April-May-June), shrubby coronillas (April), Cistus laurifolius (May), as well as junipers and strawberry trees. The golden foliage of the Choisya ternata 'Goldfinger' and the yellow flowers of St. John's wort will contrast nicely with its flowers. In a wild-style garden, consider associating it with the more free-growing Spanish gorse, silver oleanders, rosemary, and pampas grass, as well as the spiky silhouettes of yuccas.