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Ceanothus 'Madagascar'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Californian lilac 'Madagascar'

A bushy evergreen shrub about 1.5m tall and wide, with variegated foliage, the small oval leaves have a central dark green blotch and bright golden-yellow margins, and dense clusters of bright blue flowers from late spring to early summer

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 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

West–facing or South–facing

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

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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 8 after flowering or pruning group 13 for wall-trained

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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