What are the best California lilacs for the garden?
Regarded as one of the best California Lilacs for gardens, award-winner Ceanothus 'Concha' is a dense, evergreen shrub noted for its abundant clusters of deep blue flowers in late spring and early summer. Opening from reddish purple buds, the flowers are so profuse that they literally cover the bush, transforming the plant in an explosion of blue.
Can lilac trees grow in Washington State?
Plants are evergreen and have small to medium glossy green leaves which accent the bright to light blue flowers. You can see California lilac growing wild in Oregon, California and Washington, and some species are found as far as Guatemala. There are 12 species of Ceanothus native to the Pacific Northwest.
What does a lilac plant look like?
Plants are evergreen and have small to medium glossy green leaves which accent the bright to light blue flowers. You can see California lilac growing wild in Oregon, California and Washington, and some species are found as far as Guatemala.
What are the different types of lilac trees?
California Lilac, Mountain Lilac, Wild Lilac, Buckbrush, Blueblossom (Ceanothus) Ceanothus, commonly known as California Lilac, offers almost everything a gardener could wish for in a shrub: free-flowering, lovely foliage, ease of cultivation, drought and salt tolerance.
Are California lilacs deciduous?
Most species of California Lilac trees are evergreens, with a few deciduous varieties. The green leaves are small. Small, fragrant flowers bloom in clusters in mid-spring. Colors include many shades of blue, lavender, pink, and white.
Are there evergreen lilacs?
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....How to Grow and Care for Ceanothus (California Lilacs)Common NameCalifornia lilac, Mountain lilac, Wild lilacBotanical NameCeanothus spp.FamilyRhamnaceaePlant TypeEvergreen and deciduous shrubs8 more rows•Jun 13, 2022
Are California lilacs fast growing?
Ceanothus, commonly known as California Lilac, offers almost everything a gardener could wish for in a shrub: free-flowering, lovely foliage, ease of cultivation, drought and salt tolerance. Fast growing, these desirable shrubs draw attention with their stunning flowers.
Are lilacs deciduous or evergreen?
deciduous shrubsCommon lilac bushes (Syringa vulgaris) are deciduous shrubs that bloom in the springtime. They are part of the olive family, along with other such ornamental plants as ash trees, forsythia bushes, and privet hedges. The outstanding quality of many lilac varieties is the sweet fragrances of their flowers.
Do lilacs lose their leaves in the winter?
Lilacs are deciduous (they lose their leaves in the winter) and to facilitate their dormancy, we start reducing their water intake in September and by Halloween we have altogether stopped watering. Around Halloween or thereafter, we usually receive our first frost and the lilacs drop their leaves for winter.
Is Victoria California lilac an evergreen?
Regarded as one of the hardiest of the California Lilacs, Ceanothus 'Victoria' is a vigorous, bushy, evergreen shrub noted for its abundant clusters of brilliant indigo blue flowers in late spring and early summer. The flowers are so profuse that they literally cover the bush, creating a breathtaking floral display.
Do lilacs stay green in the winter?
As the name suggests, these plants stay green all year long, which can brighten many a winter garden, especially in northern climates.
Is Ceanothus an evergreen?
The vast majority of Ceanothus are evergreen shrubs - those that keep their leaves year-round.
How tall do Californian Lilac trees grow?
Growth rate of Californian Lilac hedging plants Ceanothus 'Yankee Point' has an average growth rate and can be expected to achieve 20-40cm per year. Californian Lilac is ideal for heights up to 3m.
What happens to lilacs in winter?
Winterizing Lilac Shrubs They can withstand temperatures of -40 degrees F. (-40 C.) but may need some protection from icy winds that damage the flower buds. They need well-draining soil to prevent frozen water from damaging their roots and killing the tree.
Are all lilacs deciduous?
The tree lilac doesn't require much pruning, but remember that it is a tree, not a shrub. All types of lilacs are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall.
Do lilacs go dormant?
In spring, lilacs are often shipped dormant in bare-root form. The plants are not dead, only "sleeping." Upon arrival, remove any packaging from the root system and soak the roots in tepid water for 10 to 15 minutes. For planting instructions, read How to Plant a Bare-Root Tree or Shrub.
Do lilac bushes stay green all year?
As the name suggests, these plants stay green all year long, which can brighten many a winter garden, especially in northern climates.
Are Bloomerang lilacs evergreen?
These deciduous shrubs add beauty, color, and fragrance to the home garden. Bloomerang Lilacs are versatile and can be used in foundation plantings, hedges, containers, mixed beds and more! They are very easy to grow, disease and deer resistant, and drought tolerant.
Are all lilacs deciduous?
The tree lilac doesn't require much pruning, but remember that it is a tree, not a shrub. All types of lilacs are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall.
What is the difference between a Persian lilac and a regular lilac?
Persian lilacs are smaller than common lilacs and generally achieve a maximum size of 8 feet tall and wide. The single flowers are pale in color and richly fragrant. The 3-inch-long flower clusters are smaller by about half compared to those of common lilacs.
California Lilac Information
California lilac comes in several forms for use in the landscape. Some are upright bushes reaching 8 or 9 feet in height while others are compact,...
Where to Plant California Lilac
The most important aspects in site choice are well-draining soil and full sun. California lilac performs very poorly if situated in a low spot that...
Tips on California Lilac Growing
California lilac seems to thrive on neglect. In the first year, water it regularly but once it establishes, the plant only needs water once or twic...
California Lilac Care
Ceanothus are easy to grow in the right position. They need shelter from strong winds and hard frosts. Growing against a south-facing wall usually works well. Most cultivars need full sun, a well-drained soil and little to no water once established.
Types of California Lilacs
Ceanothus come in a wide variety of sizes and growing habits. Evergreen species are much more widely available, but selecting a hardier deciduous type makes sense if you have a more exposed garden. Some popular species cultivars include:
Pruning
These shrubs don't need a lot of pruning. In fact, hard pruning of the evergreen species can be problematic, weakening their integrity and causing issues. Pruning just the tips of the branches after it has finished flowering can help to keep a compact shape.
Propagating California Lilacs
Ceanothus are relatively easy to propagate from cuttings and usually produce a flowering plant within two to three years. It's best to take semi-ripe, current season's growth cuttings from evergreen varieties after flowering in summer or autumn. For deciduous species, take softwood cuttings from new growth on non-flowering stem tips in the spring.
How to Grow California Lilacs From Seed
Growing ceanothus from seed is possible, but it can be tricky, and named cultivars won't come true to type when produced by this method.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
One of the attractive qualities of ceanothus species is that they aren't troubled by too many serious pests or diseases. However, they can be bothered by scale insects, and honey fungus disease is occasionally a problem.
How to Get California Lilacs to Bloom
The abundant blooms of California lilacs are what attracts most gardeners—and pollinators, like bees—to these species. The tiny flowers form in large clusters, and the shrubs can be in bloom for around six weeks (some cultivars have an even longer bloom period).
What are some interesting facts about California lilacs?
Among the important facts on California lilac is its ability to fix nitrogen in soil, which is a win-win for the home gardener and in nature. The flowers are the real showstopper. Most are in terminal clusters of deep blue, but some forms bear lighter blue, lavender or even white flowers.
How tall is a California lilac?
California lilac comes in several forms for use in the landscape. Some are upright bushes reaching 8 or 9 feet (2 to 2.5 m.) in height while others are compact, low growing groundcovers that seldom reach more than 6 inches (15 cm.) in height. Plants are evergreen and have small to medium glossy green leaves which accent ...
What groundcovers are good for sunny areas?
For a sunny groundcover, try Gloriosus, Centennial or Heart’s Desire.
Where do ceanothus grow?
There are 12 species of Ceanothus native to the Pacific Northwest. These plants prefer dry soil in full sun to achieve the best blooms. Deer are especially fond of California lilac, so protection is required if you live in an area with these browsing animals.
When do California lilacs bloom?
One of the facts on California lilac is that it is not a true lilac in the genus Syringa, but it does produce amazingly fragrant blooms from late spring into early summer. In most regions, this plant is easy to grow and trouble free.
Can lilacs grow in low soil?
California lilac performs very poorly if situated in a low spot that tends to gather moisture. Plants can thrive in most soils, but best health will be obtained by mixing organic humus into the soil to enrich it. The choices are pretty endless regarding the forms available.
Do California lilacs need fertilizer?
Among the California lilac information we have learned is that it’s important to pass on fertilizer, which this species dislikes. While you might think annual fertilizer is a good idea for your plants, this is one species that can actually go into a decline if fertilized. Stick with good organic mulch around the root zone and you will have a happier plant.
What is the best lilac in California?
Regarded as one of the best California Lilacs for gardens, award-winner Ceanothus 'Concha' is a dense, evergreen shrub noted for its abundant clusters of deep blue flowers in late spring and early summer. Opening from reddish purple buds, the flowers are so profuse that they literally cover the bush, transforming the plant in an explosion of blue.
How big does a Californian lilac get?
Grows with a dense habit, up to 4-8 ft. tall (120-240 cm) and 6-12 ft. wide (180-360 cm), the milder the climate the bigger the size.
What color are California lilacs?
But of course, you'll also adore the ornamental features of the California Lilac. In the spring, the plant is covered in reddish-purple buds that will mature to a mass of rich, deep blue flower clusters. The flowers are absolutely stunning from a distance and when studied up close in the garden.
How to use California Lilac?
Use it as a bird-friendly, waterwise fill plant to cover an open area. For quick fill, plant the California Lilac 5 to 6 feet on center and let it fill in together naturally. This native plant is also recommended for use as part of the defensible space near homes and structures.
Why is a lilac important?
They can assess your property and support your development of a firewise landscape plan. California Lilac can be an important plant to help protect your property from the ravages of wildfire.
What is the best lilac?
No wonder, California Lilac (Ceanothus gloriosus) is considered one of the best of this diverse family of 60 species.
Is California Lilac a good choice for landscape?
With beauty, low maintenance and adaptability, California Lilac is the perfect choice for many landscape applications. Order your s now before the garden designers place their large commercial orders and you miss your chance.
Do California mountain lilacs need water?
This will help their roots establish in your soil. However, they truly thrive on low water. They require no summer water once established and are perfect for the drought tolerant landscapes. Know that you're in good company when you order your California Mountain Lilac from our expert growers.
Do quail like lilacs?
Deer, on the other hand, seem to find it pretty unappetizing, especially when it's grown in a waterwise manner.
