California Lilac
Interesting Information about the California Lilac
A native plant to the state, the California lilac is one that is loved by gardeners for its color, fragrance, hardiness and longevity. While it is not truly a member of the lilac family, the bush is just as easy grow and maintain.
The actual name of the charming bush is Ceanothus, which may be either a deciduous or an evergreen plant depending on the variety. The foliage of the California lilac does not resemble that of the common lilac, which is generally spade shaped. Rather, leaves of the evergreen Ceanothus are usually deep green in color, oval in shape with a glossy finish. A spicy scent will be released when the leaves of the evergreen leaves are crushed. The deciduous Ceanothus has broad, lighter green leaves.
It is the beautiful flower plumes covering the California lilac that suggest a simile between the two bushes. Long graceful panicles of blossoms ranging in color from a delicate sky blue to the most amazing azure blue blanket the full shrub in springtime for the evergreens; deciduous shrubs will flower later in the summer, with the possibility of a second bloom in early fall. The lovely bushes will flower abundantly throughout the blooming period, generally late spring to early summer.
The California lilac is relatively easy to introduce to any garden. Some varieties grow to heights up to 10 feet tall with a spreading habit that makes it ideal for use in hedges. With many areas of California receiving seaside breezes off the Pacific Ocean, the indifference of the Ceanothus to salty air makes it perfect for area gardens. Other varieties grown only 2-3 feet tall, but can have a reach of 10 feet wide for use as a border shrub. A few of the California lilacs can be trained to grow as a small tree, having a single trunk and growing to 15 to 20 feet tall.
Almost all varieties of the California lilac do best in full sun, although a few of the lower growing shrubs grown inland in California enjoy part shade. Good drainage is required, and during the hot summers little watering is required as they are very drought tolerant once the plants are fully established. Very little fertilizing is needed; at the most, once per year for mature shrubs.
Pruning the California lilac can be quite simple. If the shrub is an evergreen, the best time for pruning is immediately after the blooms have died away. Deciduous Ceanothus shrubs that bloom in summer or fall should be pruned back hard in spring before flowering takes place.
Many varieties of the California lilac can be included in most gardens across the country. While not a true lilac, the beauty of the dark, glossy green leaves and the abundant blossoms make this shrub a valued member of the gardening community.