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Ceanothus × delileanus 'Topaze'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Californian lilac 'Topaze'

A bushy, deciduous shrub about 1.5m tall, of rounded, bushy habit, with broad oval dark green leaves, and dark indigo-blue flowers, in large panicles, from summer to early autumn

Synonyms
Ceanothus 'Topaze'
Ceanothus Topaz
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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
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Rhamnaceae
Native to the UK
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
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • 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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