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Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis 'Diamond Heights' (v)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Californian lilac 'Diamond Heights'

A vigorous, low-growing, spreading, bushy, woody evergreen shrub with small, oblong-shaped, veined, golden yellow-green variegated leaves. Clusters of pale blue flowers appear in late spring and early summer

Synonyms
Ceanothus 'Diamond Heights'
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Diamond Heights'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Gold Yellow Green
Summer Blue Gold Yellow Green
Autumn Gold Yellow Green
Winter Gold Yellow Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Rhamnaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
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-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 8 or pruning group 13 if wall trained

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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