Ceanothus 'Blue Mound'

RHS Plant Profile
Californian lilac 'Blue Mound'
Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Shrubs

A broadly mound-forming evergreen shrub about 1.5m tall and 2m wide, of dense habit, with glossy finely toothed, dark green, wavy-edged leaves. Dense clusters of small, bright blue flowers appear in late spring and early summer, and again in late summer to autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral or Acid

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rhamnaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Ceanothus can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees, with simple leaves and small blue, pink or white flowers in profuse axillary or terminal clusters. They are fast-growing but may be short-lived
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from strong, cold winds. Lime tolerant but may become chlorotic on shallow chalk soils. See ceanothus cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in mid- to late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wall side borders
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 8 after flowering or pruning group 13 if wall trained

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus