Lovely Ceanothus -- A must have for coastal gardens

Our native wild lilacs vary in form from ground cover to large shrubs or small trees; they can be deciduous or evergreen, with flowers ranging from creamy white to bright cobalt blue. What they all share, however, is a need for excellent drainage, no summer watering, and nutrient-poor soil. Overwatering and excessive feeding will significantly reduce the lifespan of your Ceanothus. In their natural environment, they thrive in dry forests, dry rocky slopes, and dry wooded canyons.

If your garden doesn't have summer water and has fast-draining soil, Ceanothus could be a suitable choice for you. They also thrive on slopes. You'll appreciate the fragrant flowers, as well as the hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees that are attracted to the nectar and berries. Additionally, there are evergreen varieties that can provide structure to an otherwise bare winter garden.

Some varieties of Ceanothus can be hard to find. Here's a few that are readily available to get you started.

Ceanothus cuneatus: Buckbrush

It has white or light blue flowers may have a somewhat unpleasant scent when fully bloomed, but they are beneficial for attracting pollinators. Consider planting them away from outdoor seating. They have small, attractive evergreen gray-green leaves and a spiny, branching growth pattern.

Size: 6-8' x 6-8' Reaches a size of 6-8’ x 6-8’

Full sun

Ceanothus sanguineus: Redstem Ceanothus

This deciduous shrub features fragrant white flowers in late spring to early summer. It has green leaves and distinctive purplish stems. While it may not be as eye-catching as some other varieties, it is more adaptable, being native to regions both east and west of the Cascades.

Size: 6-10'

Full to part shade

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus: Blueblossom

This Ceanothus is undoubtedly the most popular native variety, known for its vibrant blue flowers that attract buzzing bees during bloom. Its evergreen leaves are dark green on top and lighter underneath.

Size: 8-12’ x 8-12’

Full to part sun

Ceanothus gloriosus: Pt. Reyes

Point Reyes ceanothus is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that serves as a beautiful groundcover. It had shiny, leathery green leaves and profuse bright blue flowers that emit a lovely fragrance.

This hardy plant is endemic to the Point Reyes area of Northern California, so it is considered a California native that that thrives in similar Oregon coastal climates. It is commonly found on seaside slope.

Size: 2-3' x 5-7'

Full to part sun