Incredibly showy, award-winner Ceanothus 'Dark Star' (California Lilac) is a spreading, evergreen shrub noted for its abundant clusters of fragrant, dark royal blue flowers in late spring and early summer. The flowers are so profuse that they literally cover the bush, creating a breathtaking floral display. The blooms are borne on gracefully arching branches clad with tiny, ovate, dark green leaves with deeply impressed veins. Usually ignored by deer, this pretty shrub is prized by birds, butterflies and hummingbirds. A great California Lilac selection for coastal gardens. If you're looking for a vibrant splash of bright blue in your garden, you can't go wrong with a California lilac (Ceanothus). There are around fifty pollinator-friendly, flowering, drought-tolerant shrub species in the Ceanothus genus. Most are evergreens, but there are also some deciduous options. They can be free-standing or used as border plants or informal hedges. Many gardeners choose to train certain cultivars to climb walls, fences, or even door arches. Plant California lilacs in spring. Sun Needs: Full Sun. Appreciates afternoon shade in hot summer areas. Soil/Water Needs: Thrives best in average, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant. Requires little or no water in summer. Maintenance: Easy to grow, this plant is difficult to transplant once established. Prune after flowering. Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings. Watch for scale insects, honey fungus and Phytophthora root disease.
