Ceanothus pallidus Perle Rose

The deciduous 'Perle Rose' ceanothus is an exceptional bush with a long and abundant flowering in light panicles of carnation pink. Small in size and with an erect bushy habit, it is particularly well-suited for small gardens. This summer-flowering ceanothus only requires well-drained soil that is not too chalky or too acidic and it tolerates sun or partial shade. Hardier than evergreen ceanothus, it is less tolerant to drought and prefers soil which remains moist in the summer. It pairs wonderfully with white, blue, purple, and pink blooms.

Originating from North America and Mexico, Ceanothus pallidus, from which this bush is derived, belongs to the rhamnaceae family. The 'Perle Rose' variety measures 1.5m (5ft) in height and 1m (3.3ft) in width. It is hardy down to -10°C (14°F) but may require mulching in colder regions. The red-purple branches bear 5cm (2in) pale green, alternate, ovate, dentate leaves with very pronounced veins. From July to September, fluffy 6cm (2.4in) panicles of small tubular flowers of a carnation pink, turning carmine, bloom in the axils and tips of the branches.

Resistant and undemanding, it simply needs to be pruned severely after frost.

Ceanothus are generally used in slopes, borders, pots, and flower beds. Pair them with yarrows, gauras, or grasses for a floral display of muted colours. The small size of the 'Perle Rose' Ceanothus makes it suitable for planting in a container or flower bed, in isolation or in small hedges, with white roses, pink spiraeas, or sky blue ceanothus... The red and purple foliage of cotinus or physocarpus will enhance the brightness of its flowers and the pronounced colour of its red stems.