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	Californian Lilac Ceanothus x Blue Pacific

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Genus	Ceanothus
Species	x Blue Pacific
Variety

Common Names	Californian Lilac

Type	Shrub
Family	Rhamnaceae
Origins	California - hybrid raised in Australia

Light	Full sun
Wind	Sheltered
Height	2.0m	Width	2.0m
Frost	Tender
Growth	Fast
Native	No
Evergreen	No

Position
Feature
Hedge
Shrubbery

Flower Colour
Mauve
Blue

Flowering Times
Jan
Feb
Oct
Nov
Dec

Climate Zone
Zone8
Zone9
Zone10

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photos of this plant.

Description
Of the many varieties of Ceanothus, this is a locally raised hybrid, an evergreen shrub (which can be deciduous in cold areas). Foliage is glossy green with large pale blue panicles of flower that make a striking display in summer. Can be planted as a single feature but best in groups (especially against a wall) where you can gain the advantage of the amassed colour.

Soil
A lighter soil type is preferable, that is well drained. Keep well watered for best results but they can withstand dry periods. N.B. quite salt resistant as well.

Maintenance
Prune back (around 10cms or so) after flowering to promote bushy growth. Note these plants can be affected by overly warm or humid conditions and a healthy plant has been known to keel over and die after a warm wet summer. If you keep them sheltered from strong winds and give them lots of sun then they should last a long time.

Diseases/Remedies
Excess humidity can be a problem but root strain due to high winds will often kill off Ceanothus.

Other Species In Genus
50+ other species

Comments
The name comes from Greek - sounds like blue (Cean - Cyan). N.B. Ceanothius should not be confused with Syringa vulgaris which is the real Lilac.