Ceanothus 'Autumnal Blue'
Californian lilac
- Position: full sun
- Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: August to October
- Hardiness: fully hardy
This handsome, evergreen shrub has fluffy clusters of sky-blue flowers from August to October and small, glossy, bright green leaves. It has a strong, upright habit and is ideal for training on a sunny wall, or for the back of a south or west-facing shrub border. Although it is one of the hardier varieties of Californian lilac, it does need protection from strong winds. - Garden care: In spring remove any dead or damaged stems, cut back some of the main stems to the base and reduce the stems on the previous year's growth to within 2-4 buds of the older wood.