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Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis 'Silver Surprise'PBR (v)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Californian lilac 'Silver Surprise'

An evergreen, low-growing shrub about 60cm tall and 2-3m wide, with irregular variegated leaves having creamy-white margins on glossy green leaves. It has masses of pale blue flowers in spring

Synonyms
Ceanothus 'Silver Surprise'
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Silver Surprise'
see moreCeanothus 'Brass'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Cream White Green
Summer Cream White Green
Autumn Cream White Green
Winter Cream White 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
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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Pruning group 8 after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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