Spring-flowering ceanothus

Size and habit varies greatly, from spreading, low-growing cultivars like ‘Yankee Point’ at up to 1m tall, to upright, vigorous cultivars like ‘Trewithen Blue’ at up to 8m. The majority have dense, bushy growth of small, mid- to dark-green leaves and bear tight oval or pyramidal clusters of pale- to deep-blue flowers. Cultivars like 'Snow Flurry' and 'Millerton Point' bear white flowers, offering something different.

A fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny, sheltered position; against a south-facing wall is ideal.

Heavy soils, where excess wet can damage the root system, frost pockets and cold, drying winds. Although Ceanothus are lime-tolerant, plants will suffer in shallow, chalky soil.

Ceanothus ‘Pershore Zanzibar’ has striking yellow and green variegated leaves, and unlike other cultivars, is primarily grown for its foliage.