Ceanothus griseus
Carmel ceanothus
C. griseus is a medium-sized shrub, to 3m, with dark green leaves, grey-silky on reverse, and pale lilac-blue flowers in dense clusters (occasionally violet-blue)
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Blue | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- C California
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, sheltered from strong, cold winds. Lime tolerant, but may become chlorotic on shallow chalk soils
Propagation
Propagate by seed or 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
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 8 after flowering
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.