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Ceanothus × delileanus 'Henri Desfossé'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Californian lilac 'Henri Desfossé'

Bushy deciduous shrub up to 1.5m high and wide with a rounded habit, and broadly oval, mid-green leaves to 7cm in length. Bears deep blue flowers in larger terminal and lateral panicles 8-12cm across from summer to early autumn

Synonyms
Ceanothus 'Henri Desfossé'
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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
Alkaline, Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter
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
Deciduous
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 softwood 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
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 6 in spring

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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