Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark'
Californian lilac 'Skylark'
A bushy, evergreen shrub about 2m tall, with finely toothed, glossy, dark green leaves to 5cm long. Open panicles of deep blue flowers to 8cm long appear over a long period from late spring to early summer
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, Neutral, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- 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 scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
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