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Ceanothus 'Popcorn'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Californian lilac 'Popcorn'

An evergreen, spreading shrub about 60-90cm high and 1.5m wide with thick, serrated grey-green leaves, and producing masses of heavy, rounded clusters of slightly scented, starry white flowers in spring

Synonyms
Ceanothus gloriosus 'Popcorn'
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Grey Silver Green
Summer Grey Silver Green
Autumn Grey Silver Green
Winter Grey Silver 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
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

Unresolved

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
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wall side borders
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
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

Get involved

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