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Ceanothus prostratus

Ceanothus prostratus Prostratus
California Lilac

4,6/5
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Bernadette , 27/02/2024

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

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Value-for-money
Ceanothus prostratus forms a dark green carpet, extending over 2 m (6.6 ft) or more. It flowers abundantly in spring, covering the soil with a mantle of light and bright blue. This evergreen variety is resistant to -10° C to 12° C (14° F to 10.4° F). Once established, it tolerates summer drought very well. It can also tolerate slightly calcareous soils.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
40 cm
Spread at maturity
2 m
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -12°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time April to June
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Description

Ceanothus prostratus is a bush with a prostrate habit that spreads by spontaneous layering in light soils. Forming a dark green carpet, covered with fine foliage of a very bright green, it blooms early in spring with a mass of bright blue flowers covering the ground. This botanical species perfectly resists drought once established, as well as frosts of around -10° C to 12° C (14° F to 10.4° F) in well-drained soil. An adorable decorative ground cover all year round, which will find its place above a wall or in a rock garden.

 

Ceanothus prostratus is a wild Ceanothus, native to the entire northwestern region bordering the North American Pacific, and is also present in the state of Washington. Its natural environment corresponds to the understory of mixed forests, foothills of subalpine areas, open plains, and dry forests. Two subspecies are distinguished, of which Ceanothus prostratus is the most creeping and widespread form in nature. Ceanothus belong to the Rhamnaceae family. This very low bush has a prostrate, spreading, and creeping habit, reaching a minimum height of 40 cm (15.7 in) and a spread of 2 m (6.6 ft) at a minimum. Its flower buds appear in March-April, at the tips of the branches, grouped in small dense panicles. They open into intensely lavender-blue flowers, which are slightly fragrant and very popular with bees. It is followed by the formation of seeds which, once mature, are released explosively. The evergreen foliage is composed of small glossy green leaves that are opposite, ovate, dentate, with deep veins, 1 cm to 3 cm (0.4 in to 1.2 in) long, and somewhat resemble miniature oak leaves. Its average lifespan is 15 to 20 years, and its preferred climate will be rather coastal.

 

Ceanothus offer some of the most beautiful blue flowerings. Tolerating poor, even rocky and slightly calcareous soils, Ceanothus prostratus is a superb and easy-to-grow ground cover in mild climates. Plant it above a retaining wall, for example with creeping rosemary, aubrietas, and wallflowers. It can also be mixed with small, easy-to-grow bushes in mild climates, which will precede or take over its beautiful flowering: rock roses, oreganos, teucriums, thymes, and other lavenders. It will also thrive by the sea. This variety will enhance your balconies and terraces when planted in large containers, with some precautions.

Ceanothus prostratus in pictures

Ceanothus prostratus (Flowering) Flowering
Ceanothus prostratus (Foliage) Foliage
Ceanothus prostratus (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 40 cm
Spread at maturity 2 m
Habit creeping
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour blue
Flowering time April to June
Inflorescence Umbel
Flower size 3 cm
Fragrance slightly scented, parfum de miel
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Fruit colour black

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Ceanothus

Species

prostratus

Cultivar

Prostratus

Family

Rhamnaceae

Other common names

California Lilac

Origin

North America

Product reference839862

Planting and care

Place in a sunny or partially shaded position. Plant it in ordinary soil that must be moist but also well-drained. Beware of cold drafts; place near a wall to protect it. Plant it throughout the year, except during frost, by mixing your garden soil with compost, coarse sand, perlite, or any material that does not retain moisture. Water generously once or twice a week to encourage growth. Only water twice a month from the third year onwards, and during prolonged drought. This is a low-maintenance plant that grows easily as long as the required conditions are met. Constant moisture in the soil during the winter period, as well as in summer, is harmful to the plant. The combination of high heat and humidity leads to the development of a fungus that attacks the collar of the plant and can be fatal, just like a Siberian frost. That's why, in affected soils, it is better to plant Ceanothus on a mound. You can lightly prune the stems after flowering to encourage branching. Fertiliser is not recommended (just add a little horn at the bottom of the planting hole). Avoid severe pruning.

 

Cultivation in pots:

Use a lightweight substrate, a mixture of garden soil, coarse sand, and compost. In summer, water abundantly only when the soil is dry, but space out the waterings. The plant can be stored in a cool, bright room with little or no heating, protected from severe frost. Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring and autumn.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Edge of border, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -12°C (USDA zone 8a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Light, well-draining

Care

Pruning instructions This bush does not require pruning. However, it can tolerate light pruning. Prune after flowering to maintain the plant's compact shape or limit its spread, and refresh it by removing dead wood.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time July to August
Soil moisture Dry soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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