Tuesday, March 4, 2014
landscaping ideas
How To Find Reasonably priced Landscaping Concepts And Update Your own Landscape On a tight budget
If you want to remodel your landscape with limited funds, then discovering the right landscaping suggestions is an integral part from the landscaping method. Investing some time to money directly into landscaping is great for people who have only moved right into a new house and merely want to improve their backyard. There are actually a few ways for home owners to save money, although landscaping is usually costly. Should you be on a constrained budget, and then here is how youll find cheap landscape designs ideas along with develop a few cheap gardening strategies.
Youll be able to become the covet of your close friends and next door neighbours if you have an attractively landscaped yard. It is quite gratifying to design your individual garden and also the time it will cost on your lawn will probably be rather pleasant. There are several methods to save money on gardening, especially for those who find themselves on a stringent budget.
Produce a Plan
Making a plan along with a budget is highly recommended before you really begin your landscaping function, however, you should also be sure to have the proper landscaping concept too. You may even spread your current landscaping venture over a few a long time if you are over a limited spending budget and have a great deal of landscaping to perform. Imagine the method that you see it hunting in a year or two from currently.
To prevent crops from death in your back garden, make sure you carry out enough investigation on the forms of plants you would like to have and figure out which aspects of the garden will certainly suit these best in relation to soil, lighting etc.
Inexpensive Landscaping Tips
No doubt any back garden may be conveniently up to date through landscape designs; however, the cash you will spend about landscaping is determined by the ideas youre following.
* Fix strong structures including patios, walls, and fish ponds. - Increase plants and flowers for a back garden -- Choose the right bouquets to give the top display more than several months : Add timber and terrain covering bushes to keep along your weeding work!
Do it yourself or even Hire a Expert?
If you are planning to accomplish some of the landscape designs work, figure out how much you may manage accomplish on your own and then leave the rest of the significant construction work with a professional. Numerous landscapers even supply free quotes, which can help an individual determine how significantly work you need them to do. Try and do the maximum amount of work as you are able to yourself if you find a lot of labouring to accomplish. This can save the cost of the gym membership rights, and strengthen your body upwards too!
Make use of Local Assets
You do not essentially have to visit a local back garden centre to get trees and shrubs, with regards to the landscaping concept you are right after. You can get this sort of plants inexpensively or even for no cost. All you need to carry out is:
Visit a growing plants society or perhaps a local garden society that gives plants with considerably decreased prices as well as host place giveaways
1 . Attend your house or yard improvement present. They often public sale plants following the present.
* Look for promotions and sales
1 . Exchange plant life among your friends and relatives
* Acquire plants overdue in the time
Having an incredibly landscaped yard can be a fun-filled accessory for your home and achieving your garden designed does not automatically have to be an expensive ordeal. There is an options of accomplishing the work on your own or getting a professional gardener. Thus, there are several ways to help save great deals of cash on your landscape designs costs, more importantly, you should seek out ideal as well as affordable landscape designs ideas.
If you want to remodel your landscape with limited funds, then discovering the right landscaping suggestions is an integral part from the landscaping method. Investing some time to money directly into landscaping is great for people who have only moved right into a new house and merely want to improve their backyard. There are actually a few ways for home owners to save money, although landscaping is usually costly. Should you be on a constrained budget, and then here is how youll find cheap landscape designs ideas along with develop a few cheap gardening strategies.
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| landscaping ideas |
Youll be able to become the covet of your close friends and next door neighbours if you have an attractively landscaped yard. It is quite gratifying to design your individual garden and also the time it will cost on your lawn will probably be rather pleasant. There are several methods to save money on gardening, especially for those who find themselves on a stringent budget.
Produce a Plan
Making a plan along with a budget is highly recommended before you really begin your landscaping function, however, you should also be sure to have the proper landscaping concept too. You may even spread your current landscaping venture over a few a long time if you are over a limited spending budget and have a great deal of landscaping to perform. Imagine the method that you see it hunting in a year or two from currently.
To prevent crops from death in your back garden, make sure you carry out enough investigation on the forms of plants you would like to have and figure out which aspects of the garden will certainly suit these best in relation to soil, lighting etc.
 |
| landscaping ideas backyard |
Inexpensive Landscaping Tips
No doubt any back garden may be conveniently up to date through landscape designs; however, the cash you will spend about landscaping is determined by the ideas youre following.
* Fix strong structures including patios, walls, and fish ponds. - Increase plants and flowers for a back garden -- Choose the right bouquets to give the top display more than several months : Add timber and terrain covering bushes to keep along your weeding work!
Do it yourself or even Hire a Expert?
If you are planning to accomplish some of the landscape designs work, figure out how much you may manage accomplish on your own and then leave the rest of the significant construction work with a professional. Numerous landscapers even supply free quotes, which can help an individual determine how significantly work you need them to do. Try and do the maximum amount of work as you are able to yourself if you find a lot of labouring to accomplish. This can save the cost of the gym membership rights, and strengthen your body upwards too!
 |
| landscaping ideas for small yards |
Make use of Local Assets
You do not essentially have to visit a local back garden centre to get trees and shrubs, with regards to the landscaping concept you are right after. You can get this sort of plants inexpensively or even for no cost. All you need to carry out is:
Visit a growing plants society or perhaps a local garden society that gives plants with considerably decreased prices as well as host place giveaways
1 . Attend your house or yard improvement present. They often public sale plants following the present.
* Look for promotions and sales
1 . Exchange plant life among your friends and relatives
* Acquire plants overdue in the time
Having an incredibly landscaped yard can be a fun-filled accessory for your home and achieving your garden designed does not automatically have to be an expensive ordeal. There is an options of accomplishing the work on your own or getting a professional gardener. Thus, there are several ways to help save great deals of cash on your landscape designs costs, more importantly, you should seek out ideal as well as affordable landscape designs ideas.
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| landscaping ideas for small front yard |
CEANOTHUS
* photo of unknown internet source
* No species of Ceanothus are poisonous, however some make better tea than others...I have listed them below.
All species fix soil nitrogen. Most species prefer deep, well drained soil that is dry during summer. Other than root rot which may occur on poorly drained sites, they are generally immune to insect pests or disease. Tip prune after blooming for more compact plants that are sturdier. In fact, spring bloomers can be cut to within the first few buds of the previous years growth immediately after blooming for a more compact habit. Ceanothus, also called Summer Lilac are rarely bothered by insect pests or disease.
Ceanothus americanus ( New Jersey Tea )
A small deciduous shrub that is the oddball hardy eastern U.S. native member of a much larger genus of plants which are mostly native to California ( often called Californian Lilacs there and are not related in any way to Syringa - Lilac ).
Native to sandy open woodlands of eastern North America from Minnesota to Quebec; south to Texas to Florida. Typically reaching around 3 feet; plants growing on excellent sites may reach up to 5 x 10 feet.
The ovate, green leaves up to 4 x 3 inches in size are very hairy below and also last late in autumn. The foliage turns greenish-yellow during autumn.
An excellent tea can be made from the foliage...immerse the leaves in boiling water, roll them over to break the cells open then ferment for 2o to 24 hours.
In summer the profuse, fragrant, dull white flowers are borne in dense clusters up to 4 inches in length, during early summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant. The New Jersey Tea has a very deep taproot so plants should be planted while very small. While many of its relatives do not tolerate cutting back into bare wood; this species can be cut to ground in very early spring for renewal.
Propagation is from seed either sown upon ripening or stratified for 3 months at 35 F. It can also be propagated from semi-ripe cuttings and root cuttings.
* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photo of unknown internet source
Ceanothus arboreus ( Catalina Mountain Lilac )
A fast growing, evergreen spreading large shrub to small tree that is native to the islands off the Southern California coast. Some records include: 10 years - 20 x 20 feet; largest on record - 33 x 33 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 foot.
The ovate leaves, up to 4 x 2.3 inches, are glossy deep green above, gray downy beneath.
The profuse vivid blue flowers are borne in cluster, up to 6 inches in length, during spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 9. The foliage is burned at 15 F and the plant is cut to the ground at 0 F but often regrows. Drought tolerant.
Trewithen Blue
Reaches same size as regular Ceanothus arboreus.
Leaves up to 4 inches in length are about the same as Ceanothus arboreus.
The fragrant deep blue flowers are borne in clusters up to 6 x 2 inches in size, over a long season.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus caeruleus
A small tree, reaching around 17 x 17 feet, that is native to Mexico.
Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 8 feet; largest on record - 25 x 17 feet.
The leaves are up to 4 inches in length, are brown hairy beneath.
The fluffy, sky-blue flowers are borne in panicles, up to 6 inches in length, during summer and autumn.
Hardy zones 9 to 10
Ceanothus cordulatus
Some records include: largest on record - 6.5 x 10 feet.
The leaves are up to 1 inch in length. The flowers are white.
Hardy zones 5 to 7. Prefers high elevations where snow is plentiful.
Ceanothus crassifolius ( Hoary Leafed Ceanothus )
An evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 14 x 13 ( rarely over 12 ) feet.
The leaves are up to 0.5 inches and the flowers are white.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 with no damage at 12 F surviving as low as 0 F.
Drought tolerant.
* photo taken by C.C. Buck @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Ceanothus cuneatus ( Wedgeleaf Ceanothus )
An evergreen shrub, reaching up to 12 x 7 feet. It can be trained as a small tree. The small leaves, up to 0.5 inches, are deep green.
The profuse, showy white flowers are borne during spring.
Hardy zones 6 to 10 ( tolerating -15 F or colder ).
Very drought and heat tolerant. Deer resistant.
* photo of unknown internet source
Sierra Mt. Lilac
Fast growing, reaching up to 10 x 10 feet with whitish-blue flowers borne during mid spring.
Hardy north to zone 6
Ceanothus cyaneus ( San Diego Ceanothus )
A very fast growing, evegreen small tree, reaching a maximum size of 22 x 15 feet.
Some records include: 6 years - 20 feet.
The leaves, up to 2.5 inches in length, are glossy bright green.
The intense blue flowers are borne in long stalked clusters, up to 14 inches in length, during early summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 9. Drought tolerant.
Sierra Blue
Hardier, with no damage at 5 F and leaf drop at 0 F.
Ceanothus x delileanus
A strong growing, deciduous to semi-evergreen large shrub that is the hybrid between Ceanothus americanus & C. coeruleus.
Some records include: 5 years - 6 x 9 feet; largest on record - 17 feet.
The broadly-oval leaves, up to 3.2 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
Hardy zones 7 to 9, preferring full sun on light well drained site. Prefers a warm site protected from excessive wind. Tolerant of coastal conditions and limey soil.
During early spring - cut back to a basal framework or to within 4 inches of previous seasons growth.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Henri Desfosse
Similar to Ceanothus Gloire de Varsailles, but with larger broader leaves and larger flower panicles.
Fast growing, dense, and rounded; it can reach up to 6.5 x 10 feet in 5 years, eventually slightly larger.
The glossy deep green leaves are borne on deep red stems.
The abundant, intense mid-blue flowers are borne on clusters during late spring to mid autumn.
The flowers are followed by red fruits.
Hardy zones 6 to 9, it thrives in the hot humid Mid Atlantic and southeastern U.S. from Arkansas eastward.
Ceanothus dentatus ( Cropleaf Ceanothus )
A spreading evergreen large shrub. Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 10 feet; largest on record - 20 x 10 feet.
The oblong leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are glossy deep green above, gray woolly beneath.
The soft bright blue flowers are borne in panicles all summer long.
Hardy zones 7 to 9. It is not happy in humid climates.
Ceanothus diversifolius ( Pinemat )
A groundcover shrub, reaching up to 1 x 6 feet.
Hardy zones 8 to 9. Drought tolerant.
Ceanothus fendleri
A medium size shrub native from Wyoming to South Dakota.
The leaves are up to 1.5 inches in length.
Some records include: largest on record - 8 x 6 feet.
Hardy zones 5 to 7
Ceanothus foliosus ( Wavy-Leaf Ceanothus )
A spiny, erect, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 16 x 8 feet. It typically lives about 30 years.
The toothed leaves, up to 0.7 inches in length, are glossy green.
The bright blue flowers are borne in heads, up to an inch wide, during spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 requiring 24 inches or more of average yearly precip.
It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates clay and summer moisture.
Berryhill
A low, mounding form, reaching only 3 feet in height.
Ceanothus gloriosus ( Point Reyes Creeper )
A central coastal California native that forms a fast growing, carpeting, groundcover shrub.
The leathery, toothed leaves, up to 2 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The rich blue flowers are borne in clusters during spring.
Some records include: largest on record - 3.5 x 17 feet.
Hardy zones 7 to 9, freezing to ground at 2 F.
Prune after flowering.
Anchor Bay
A groundcover reaching up to 2 x 12 feet with glossy leathery foliage.
Emily Brown
A cultivar of subsp exaltatus, reaching up to 4 x 8 feet.
The leaves are small and the very profuse, deep violet-blue flowers are borne during early to mid spring.
Tolerates as low as 5 F.
subsp. exaltatus
An erect shrub reaching a maximum size of 13 x 8 feet. Snow tolerant.
Hearts Desire
A low, dense form, reaching up to 4 inches x 2 feet, that is great for use as a dense, weed smothering groundcover for sloes.
The powdery-blue flowers are borne during early spring.
Hardy to as low as 5 F.
Ceanothus greggii ( Mojave Ceanothus )
A moderate growing, mounding, medium-sized evergreen shrub that is native to mountains of the southwestern U.S.
Some records include: largest on record - 10 x 10 ( rarely over 6 ) feet.
The smooth-edged to toothed, broad-elliptic to oblong leaves, up to 0.7 x 0.4 inches in length, are glossy mid-green. The small white flowers are borne in clusters, up to 1.3 inches across.
The stems are gray.
Hardy zones 5 to 10 in full sun on well drained soil. It is tolerant of heat, wind and cold. It is among the few western Ceanothus(s) that are hardy in the northeast including Michigan.
* USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Ceanothus griseus ( Carmel Ceanothus )
A large arching shrub native to the hills of central California.
Some records include: largest on record - 10 x 10 feet.
The leaves, up to 2 inches in length, are deep green above, gray beneath.
The bright lilac-blue flowers are borne during spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( tolerating as low as 10 F ) in full sun. Drought tolerant. Pruning after flowering helps maintain a dense compact habit.
Diamond Heights
A clone originating from Yankee Point with bold attractive glossy foliage that is golden-yellow with deep green blotches. It is semi-dwarf, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 6 feet.
subsp. Horizontalis ( Carmel Creeper )
Low and spreading, reaching an average size of 2 x 7 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 8 inches x 10 feet; largest on record - 3 x 36 feet.
The leaves, up to 2 inches in length, are glossy bright green.
The light blue flowers are borne during early spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Hurricane Point
Very fast growing with a spreading habit.
Some records include: largest on record - 3 x 36 feet.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Kurt Zalnik
Extremely dark blue flowers.
Some records include: largest on record - 3 x 15 feet.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Louis Edmonds
Some records include: largest on record - 12 x 20 feet.
The flowers are borne in large clusters, up to 6 inches.
Hardy zones 8 to 10, it is killed to ground at 0 F.
Santa Ana
Spreading in habit with deep blue flowers.
Some records include: largest on record - 8 x 20 feet.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Yankee Point
Fast growing and low spreading shrub, reaching up to 3 feet in height, with deep blue flowers.
The foliage is glossy deep green.
Some records include: 3 years - 10 feet across; largest on record - 5 x 17 feet.
Hardy zones 8 to 10, the foliage tip burns at 20 F and the plant is killed at 0 F.
Ceanothus hearstiorum
A moderate growing, extremely prostrate groundcover shrub, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 10 feet, that is native to the central California coast where it is endangered.
The oblong leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are deep green.
The flowers are mid blue.
Hardy zones 8 to 9 in full sun to partial shade. Clay and drought tolerant.
Ceanothus impressus ( Santa Barbara Ceanothus )
A rapid growing, bushy, dense, spreading large evergreen shrub, native to scrublands of southern California. Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 15 feet; largest on record - 20 x 20 ( rarely over 10 ) feet.
The aromatic, deeply-veined leaves, up to 0.5 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The profuse, deep blue flowers are borne in small, dense clusters during mid to late spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 requiring 12+ inches of average yearly rainfall. It has no leaf damage at 15 F and freezes to ground but resprouts at 0 F. Prefers full sun on light well drained site. Prefers a warm site protected from excessive wind. Tolerant of coastal conditions and limey soil. Cut back side shoots after flowering.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Vandenburg
Dense and mounded in habit, reaching up to 6 x 6 feet in 5 years, eventually larger.
The leaves are tiny and crinkled.
Hardy zones 7b+ ( tolerating as low as 5 F ).
Extremely drought tolerant.
Ceanothus incanus ( Coast Whitethorn )
A bushy spreading, medium sized, evergreen shrub, reaching around 10 x 11 feet, that is native to forested foothills in coastal mountains of northern California.
Some records include: largest on record - 13 x 13 feet.
The ovate leaves, up to 2.5 inches in length, are gray-green.
The small, slightly fragrant, white flowers are borne in dense clusters, up to 3 inches in length, during late spring into early summer.
The branches are somewhat thorny.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 preferring full sun on light well drained site. Prefers a warm site protected from excessive wind. Tolerant of coastal conditions and limey soil.
Cut back side shoots after flowering.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Ceanothus integgerimus
The leaves make a great tea.
Ceanothus leucodermis
Some records include: largest on record - 13 x 12 feet.
The leaves are up to an inch in length.
Hardy zones 7 to 9, freezing to the ground at 0 F and root hardy to as low as -15 F.
Ceanothus x lobbianus
The hybrid between Ceanothus dentatus & C. griseus.
Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 13 feet; largest on record - 15 x 15 feet.
The leathery, toothed, oblong leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are deep green above, pale green beneath.
The flowers are deep blue.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus maritimus ( Maritime Ceanothus )
A handsome, groundcover shrub, reaching up to 3 feet in height, that is native to coastal California.
The Holly-like leaves are very glossy deep green.
The bright blue flowers are borne during spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.
It thrives in coastal areas with clay soil ( does not like clay ) and even grows well in parts of the eastern U.S. Drought tolerant.
Ceanothus megacarpus
A medium size evergreen shrub native to southern California.
Some records include: largest on record - 13 x 10 feet
The leathery, oblong leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are deep green above, pale green beneath.
The flowers are white.
Hardy zones 7 to 10. It is very drought tolerant due to its deep roots.
Ceanothus oliganthus
A very fast growing, large shrub. Some records include: largest on record - 17 x 13 feet.
The leaves, up to 1.5 inches in length, are glossy bright green.
The flowers are medium blue.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in sun to partial shade.
Ceanothus x pallidus
Marie Blue
Compact in habit, reaching up to 3 x 4 feet.
The misty blue flowers are borne during late spring.
They are followed by showy red seed heads.
Hardy zones 6 to 8.
Marie Simon
A deciduous shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 8 feet, bearing rose-pink flowers.
The attractive stems are red.
Hardy zones 6a to 10 in full sun to partial shade.
Deer resistant.
Perle Rose
A bushy, mounded, deciduous shrub, reaching a maximum size of 13 x 8 ( rarely over 6 ) feet.
The broadly-oval leaves are glossy mid-green, persisting late in autumn.
The tiny pink flowers are borne in dense racemes during mid summer into early autumn. The flowers are borne on current seasons growth.
Hardy zones 6 to 8, preferring full sun on light, well drained site. Prefers a warm site protected from excessive wind. Tolerant of coastal conditions and limey soil, this is among the few Ceanothus that thrive in the eastern U.S..
During early spring - cut back to a basal framework or to within 4 inches of previous seasons growth.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Ceanothus papillosus ( Wartleaf Ceanothus )
A vigorous large shrub. Some records include: largest on record - 17 x 15 feet.
The narrow leaves, up to 2 x 0.5 inches, are glossy mid-green.
The flowers are rich blue.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 with no damage at 5 F. Drought tolerant.
Ceanothus prostratus ( Squaw Carpet )
A creeping, evergreen shrub shrub which makes a great groundcover. Some records include: largest on record - 1.5 x 10 feet.
The toothed leaves, up to 1 x 0.5 inches, are deep green.
It profusely bears bright blue flowers during spring.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in sun to partial shade on soil with excellent drainage. It thrives in the eastern U.S. only where summers are cool. It hates heat and requires snow cover in winter.
* photo taken by Robert H. Ruf @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Ceanothus purpureus ( Holly-leaf Ceanothus )
Some records include: largest on record - 7 x 10 feet.
The spine-toothed, leathery leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are glossy deep green.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 requiring 12 + inches of average yearly precip.
Ceanothus rigidus ( Monterey Ceanothus )
A very fast growing, dense spreading shrub. Some records include: 10 years - 4 x 6.5 feet; largest on record - 13 x 17 feet.
The toothed, wedge-shaped leaves, up to 1.5 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The purple-blue flowers are borne in dense heads, up to 1.3 inches in length, during spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 tolerating as low as 10 F. Heat tolerant and extremely drought tolerant.
Snowball
White flowers.
Ceanothus sanguineus ( Redstem Ceanothus )
A shrub, native from British Columbia to western Montana; south to northern California to Idaho; also found in the Black Hills of SD and Isle Royale in Michigan.
The toothed foliage is luxuriant mid-green.
The flowers are white.
The leaves make an excellent tea.
Ceanothus spinosus
* photo of unknown internet source
Ceanothus thyrsifolius ( Blueblossom )
A fast growing, small evergreen tree, native from California to Mexico.
Some records include: 20 years - 23 x 33 feet; largest on record - 41 x 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.5 feet.
The oblong leaves, up to 2.3 inches in length, are deep green.
The fragrant, pale blue flowers are borne in large clusters, up to 6 inches in length, during spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on light, well drained soil.
Very drought tolerant. Cut back side shoots after flowering. Pruning back stem tips after flowering will encourage a denser habit. Remove dead wood any time of year.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Oregon Mist
Very fast growing, reaching up to 10 feet in 3 years, with tiny glossy deep green leaves, up to 0.3 inches in length.
The intense blue flowers are borne profusely during spring and fall, then sporadically for the rest of the year.
Developed by Xera Plants Inc., it is among the hardiest of all C. thyrsiflorus cultivars, it is hardy north to zone 7a having originated from wild plants at the far northern limit of its natural range in Coos County.
Repens
A very fast growing, dense, spreading to mounding groundcover form, that is native to coastal scrub in northern California. Some records include: 10 years - 6.5 x 10 feet; largest on record - 6.5 x 17 feet ( typically lower in habit, not exceeding 3.5 feet ).
The broad elliptical leaves are glossy deep green.
The tiny, bright blue flowers are borne in dense, rounded racemes during late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 7 to 10, tolerates windy coastal conditions.
Skylark
Reaches up to 7 x 7 feet, with deeply-veined glossy deep green foliage and
The very fragrant, mid-blue flowers borne profusely during late spring then sporadically over a long season lasting into early autumn.
Hardy zones 8a ( 7 on protected sites ) +
* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery
Snow Flurry
Reaches up to 10 x 12 feet, with rich green foliage contrasting with pure white flowers borne on large sprays.
Hardy zones 8b+
Ceanothus tomentosus
A fast growing, rounded shrub. Some records include: largest on record - 13 feet.
The leaves are up to 1.3 inches in length.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 with no damage at 0 F
* photo of unknown internet source
Ceanothus veitchianus
A fast growing, evergreen shrub reaching a maximum size of 13 x 13 feet, that is the hybrid between Ceanothus rigidus & C. thyrsiflora. Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 8 feet.
The wedge-shaped leaves, up to 1 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The profuse deep-blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 2 inches across, during early summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 surviving even further north into zone 4 as a perennial.
Ceanothus velutinus ( Tobacco Bush )
A large shrub ( rarely small tree ) that is native to western North America, from British Columbia and Alberta to South Dakota; south to central California to Colorado.
Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 2 feet; 5 years - 7 feet; largest on record - 20 x 33 feet; longest lived - 50 years.
The leaves, up to 3 x 2 inches, are glossy green above, velvety beneath.
The leaves make a great tea.
The white flowers are borne in dense panicles during mid-summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8, preferring cool summers.
* photo of unknown internet source
* photos taken by Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
HYBRIDS
More hybridizing should be done to produce cold hardy blue flowering Ceanothus.
* photos of unknown internet source
Ceanothus A.T. Johnson
A vigorous, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 13 x 11 feet.
The leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are glossy green above, gray downy beneath.
The profuse, fuzzy, rich blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 2.5 inches in length, during spring, often repeating during autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Autumnal Blue
A vigorous, bushy, medium-size, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 10 feet.
The broadly oval leaves are glossy bright green.
The profuse, sky-blue flowers are borne in panicles, up to 3.2 inches in length, from late summer into autumn, often also during late spring.
Hardy zones 6 to 10 in full sun on light well drained site. Prefers a warm site protected from excessive wind. Tolerant of coastal conditions and limey soil. Cut back side shoots after flowering.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Ceanothus Blue Buttons
A spreading, large, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum height of 17 feet.
The powdery-blue flowers are borne in clusters during late spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Blue Cascade
Some records include: first year - 12 feet; largest on record - 40 feet.
The leaves, up to 2 x 0.5 inches, are deep green.
The mid blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 3 inches across.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Blue Cushion
A compact, arching, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6.5 x 8 feet.
The flowers are pale blue.
Hardy zones 7 to 10
Ceanothus Blue Jeans
An evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 10 ( rarely over 5 ) feet.
It makes a great informal hedge.
The small, Holly-like leaves are up to 1.5 inches in length.
The vivid medium blue flowers are borne early to mid spring.
The flowers constrast well with Tete a Tete Daffodil.
Hardy zones 7b to 10 tolerating at least as low as 0 F, thriving in the Pacific Northwest.
Ceanothus Blue Mound
A medium-sized evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 8 feet.
The finely-toothed leaves are are glossy green.
The bright blue flowers are borne in dense clusters, up to 3 inches in length, during late spring into early summer, often repeating late summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Burkwoodii
The hybrid between Ceanothus floribundus & C. Indigo.
A bushy, dense, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 10 feet.
The oval leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are glossy green above, gray beneath.
The bright blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 2.3 inches in length, during late summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Cascade
An evergreen large shrub or small tree.
Some records include: largest on record - 27 x 12 feet.
The leaves are up to 2 inches in length.
The bright blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 3.2 inches in length, during spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Celestial Blue
Some records include: largest on record - 10 x 13 feet.
It can flower up to 10 months of the year.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 tolerating as low as 0 F.
Ceanothus Centennial
A fast growing, creeping, low, evergreen shrub, reaching up to 2 x 6 ( averaging 0.5 x 5 ) feet, that is the hybrid between Ceanothus foliousus & C. griseus. It is valuable as a dense, weed smothering groundcover and also for trailing over walls.
The attractive, tiny foliage is glossy green.
The flowers are intense mid to deep blue.
Hardy zones 8a+, requiring a Mediterranean climate with a dry summer.
Ceanothus Concha
A dense, arching, spreading, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 23 x 27 ( rarely over 10 x 12 ) feet. Some records include: 5 years - 8 x 8 feet. It is a hybrid between Ceanothus impressus & C. papillosus.
The narrow leaves are up to 2 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The profuse, deep blue flowers are borne in clusters during mid to late spring.
The flowers are red in bud.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 tolerating as low as 0 F.
It prefers little or no summer water.
Ceanothus Dark Star
A very fast growing, spreading, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 12 feet.
The tiny leaves, up to 0.5 inches in length, are glossy deep blackish-green.
The fragrant, intense deep blue flowers are borne late winter to early spring.
Hardy zones 7b to 10 ( tolerating as low as 5 F ), preferring little or no summer water. Thrives in the Pacific Northwest if planted against a warm south facing wall.
Ceanothus Delight
The hybrid between Ceanothus papillosus & C. rigidus.
A large, evergreen shrub, reaching 10 x 10 feet in 10 years and a maximum eventual size of 17 x 17 feet.
The ovate leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are deep green.
The bright blue flowers are borne in long panicles, up to 4 inches in length, during spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 10
Ceanothus Edinburgh
A clone of an upright form of Ceanothus griseus.
A vigorous, bushy, upright, evergreen shrub, reaching 8 x 10 feet in 10 years and a maximum size of 13 x 13 feet.
The leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are olive green.
The rich deep blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 2 inches in length.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Edwardsii
A fast growing, tall evergreen shrub.
The leaves are glossy, deep green above, light green beneath.
The deep blue flowers are borne in dense clusters during late spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Frosty Blue
A very fast growing large shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 12 feet. It typically lives around 15 years.
The leaves are up to 0.5 inches in length, are very glossy green. The blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 4 inches in length.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 tolerating as low as 0 F. Clay tolerant.
Ceanothus Gentian Plume
A fast growing, spreading, evergreen large shrub to small tree.
Some records include: largest on record - 25 x 30 feet.
The deep blue flowers are borne in large open panicles during spring, often repeating during autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles
A cultivar of Ceanothus x delileanus, forming a vigorous, bushy, deciduous shrub.
Some records include: 10 years - 6.5 x 6.5 feet; largest on record - 14 x 8 feet.
The broadly oval leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are mid-green.
The showy powdery blue flowers are borne in dense, large clusters, up to 8 inches in length, from mid-summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 tolerating as low as 0 F, preferring full sun on light well drained site. Prefers a warm site protected from excessive wind, it is among the few Ceanothus that thrive in the hot humid southeastern U.S. Tolerant of coastal conditions and limey soil.
During early spring - cut back to a basal framework or to within 4 inches of previous seasons growth.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Ceanothus Italian Skies
A variety of Ceanothus foliousus.
A fast growing, medium size, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 12 feet.
Some records include: 10 years - 5 x 8 feet.
The small leaves, up to 0.7 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The bright blue flowers are borne in branched inflorescences, up to 6 inches in length.
Hardy zones 8 to 10, the foliage may be damaged below 10 F but is quick recovering during spring.
Ceanothus Joyce Coulter
A shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 13 ( rarely over 5 x 8 ) feet.
Long lived, it can survive for more than 20 years.
The leaves are up to 2 inches in length. The blue flowers are borne in large clusters, up to 5 inches in length.
Hardy zones 8 to 10. No damage at 8 F; frozen at 0 F.
Tolerant of heat and drought, fire and clay.
Ceanothus Julia Phelps
A moderate growing, medium size shrub. Some records include: largest on record - 12 x 13 feet.
The leaves, up 1 inch in length, are deep green.
The purplish red buds open to indigo blue flowers.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 tolerating as low as 0 F
Ceanothus Ken Taylor
Flowers are lilac colored.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Pin Cushion
A dense, compact arching shrub. Some records include: largest on record - 7 x 7 feet.
The leaves,up to 2.5 inches in length, are deep green.
The flowers are deep blue.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Puget Blue
A dense large shrub. Some records include: 2 years - 6 feet; largest on record - 10 x 10 feet.
The leaves are up to 0.8 inches in length.
The deep blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 2 inches in length, late spring into summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Ray Hartman
A fast growing, long lived, somewhat weeping, evergreen large shrub to small tree.
Some records include: 18 months - 10 feet; 2 years - 20 feet; largest on record - 20 x 25 feet. Its life expectancy is around 20 or more years.
The large leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are deep green.
The dark blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 6 inches in length.
Hardy zones 8 to 10. No damage at 15 F, severe damage at 0 F, death at -5 F.
Ceanothus Southmead
Some records include: largest on record - 5 x 5 feet.
The oblong leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are glossy deep green, light green beneath.
The very deep blue flowers are borne spring and summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Tilden Park
A fast growing, dense, bushy, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 6.5 feet.
The small, narrow leaves are glossy green.
The very profuse, lilac-blue flowers are borne on sprays up to 4 inches in length, during mid to late spring.
Hardy zones 7a+ in full sun to partial shade. Tolerant of ocean salt breezes.
Ceanothus Topaz
A compact, semi-evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 10 ( rarely over 8 ) feet.
The broad leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are deep green.
The indigo-blue flowers are borne early summer until autumn frost.
The flowers are borne on new wood.
The flowers are followed by attractive red seedheads.
Hardy zones 6 to 10. Very tolerant of seashore conditions.
Prune after blooming.
Ceanothus Tuxedo
A very unusual shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 8 feet, that is a hybrid between C. americana & C. thyrsifolia.
The deep black foliage contrasts very well with the lavender-blue flowers during late summer and autumn.
Hardy zones 8a+ ( tolerating 0 F )
Ceanothus Victoria
Also called Ceanothus impressus Victoria. A dense, upright, rounded, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 9 x 12 ( rarely over 8 ) feet. It can be sheared as a hedge.
The deeply-veined, ovate leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are very glossy, very deep green.
The bright bluish-purple flowers are borne profusely during early summer then sporadically the rest of the season.
Hardy zones 7a+ ( tolerating 0 F but is possibly even hardier north to zone 6 against a protected south facing wall or if covered in cloth during the coldest part of winter ).
* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery
Read More..
* No species of Ceanothus are poisonous, however some make better tea than others...I have listed them below.
All species fix soil nitrogen. Most species prefer deep, well drained soil that is dry during summer. Other than root rot which may occur on poorly drained sites, they are generally immune to insect pests or disease. Tip prune after blooming for more compact plants that are sturdier. In fact, spring bloomers can be cut to within the first few buds of the previous years growth immediately after blooming for a more compact habit. Ceanothus, also called Summer Lilac are rarely bothered by insect pests or disease.
Ceanothus americanus ( New Jersey Tea )
A small deciduous shrub that is the oddball hardy eastern U.S. native member of a much larger genus of plants which are mostly native to California ( often called Californian Lilacs there and are not related in any way to Syringa - Lilac ).
Native to sandy open woodlands of eastern North America from Minnesota to Quebec; south to Texas to Florida. Typically reaching around 3 feet; plants growing on excellent sites may reach up to 5 x 10 feet.
The ovate, green leaves up to 4 x 3 inches in size are very hairy below and also last late in autumn. The foliage turns greenish-yellow during autumn.
An excellent tea can be made from the foliage...immerse the leaves in boiling water, roll them over to break the cells open then ferment for 2o to 24 hours.
In summer the profuse, fragrant, dull white flowers are borne in dense clusters up to 4 inches in length, during early summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant. The New Jersey Tea has a very deep taproot so plants should be planted while very small. While many of its relatives do not tolerate cutting back into bare wood; this species can be cut to ground in very early spring for renewal.
Propagation is from seed either sown upon ripening or stratified for 3 months at 35 F. It can also be propagated from semi-ripe cuttings and root cuttings.
* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photo of unknown internet source
Ceanothus arboreus ( Catalina Mountain Lilac )
A fast growing, evergreen spreading large shrub to small tree that is native to the islands off the Southern California coast. Some records include: 10 years - 20 x 20 feet; largest on record - 33 x 33 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 foot.
The ovate leaves, up to 4 x 2.3 inches, are glossy deep green above, gray downy beneath.
The profuse vivid blue flowers are borne in cluster, up to 6 inches in length, during spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 9. The foliage is burned at 15 F and the plant is cut to the ground at 0 F but often regrows. Drought tolerant.
Trewithen Blue
Reaches same size as regular Ceanothus arboreus.
Leaves up to 4 inches in length are about the same as Ceanothus arboreus.
The fragrant deep blue flowers are borne in clusters up to 6 x 2 inches in size, over a long season.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus caeruleus
A small tree, reaching around 17 x 17 feet, that is native to Mexico.
Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 8 feet; largest on record - 25 x 17 feet.
The leaves are up to 4 inches in length, are brown hairy beneath.
The fluffy, sky-blue flowers are borne in panicles, up to 6 inches in length, during summer and autumn.
Hardy zones 9 to 10
Ceanothus cordulatus
Some records include: largest on record - 6.5 x 10 feet.
The leaves are up to 1 inch in length. The flowers are white.
Hardy zones 5 to 7. Prefers high elevations where snow is plentiful.
Ceanothus crassifolius ( Hoary Leafed Ceanothus )
An evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 14 x 13 ( rarely over 12 ) feet.
The leaves are up to 0.5 inches and the flowers are white.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 with no damage at 12 F surviving as low as 0 F.
Drought tolerant.
* photo taken by C.C. Buck @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Ceanothus cuneatus ( Wedgeleaf Ceanothus )
An evergreen shrub, reaching up to 12 x 7 feet. It can be trained as a small tree. The small leaves, up to 0.5 inches, are deep green.
The profuse, showy white flowers are borne during spring.
Hardy zones 6 to 10 ( tolerating -15 F or colder ).
Very drought and heat tolerant. Deer resistant.
* photo of unknown internet source
Sierra Mt. Lilac
Fast growing, reaching up to 10 x 10 feet with whitish-blue flowers borne during mid spring.
Hardy north to zone 6
Ceanothus cyaneus ( San Diego Ceanothus )
A very fast growing, evegreen small tree, reaching a maximum size of 22 x 15 feet.
Some records include: 6 years - 20 feet.
The leaves, up to 2.5 inches in length, are glossy bright green.
The intense blue flowers are borne in long stalked clusters, up to 14 inches in length, during early summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 9. Drought tolerant.
Sierra Blue
Hardier, with no damage at 5 F and leaf drop at 0 F.
Ceanothus x delileanus
A strong growing, deciduous to semi-evergreen large shrub that is the hybrid between Ceanothus americanus & C. coeruleus.
Some records include: 5 years - 6 x 9 feet; largest on record - 17 feet.
The broadly-oval leaves, up to 3.2 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
Hardy zones 7 to 9, preferring full sun on light well drained site. Prefers a warm site protected from excessive wind. Tolerant of coastal conditions and limey soil.
During early spring - cut back to a basal framework or to within 4 inches of previous seasons growth.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Henri Desfosse
Similar to Ceanothus Gloire de Varsailles, but with larger broader leaves and larger flower panicles.
Fast growing, dense, and rounded; it can reach up to 6.5 x 10 feet in 5 years, eventually slightly larger.
The glossy deep green leaves are borne on deep red stems.
The abundant, intense mid-blue flowers are borne on clusters during late spring to mid autumn.
The flowers are followed by red fruits.
Hardy zones 6 to 9, it thrives in the hot humid Mid Atlantic and southeastern U.S. from Arkansas eastward.
Ceanothus dentatus ( Cropleaf Ceanothus )
A spreading evergreen large shrub. Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 10 feet; largest on record - 20 x 10 feet.
The oblong leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are glossy deep green above, gray woolly beneath.
The soft bright blue flowers are borne in panicles all summer long.
Hardy zones 7 to 9. It is not happy in humid climates.
Ceanothus diversifolius ( Pinemat )
A groundcover shrub, reaching up to 1 x 6 feet.
Hardy zones 8 to 9. Drought tolerant.
Ceanothus fendleri
A medium size shrub native from Wyoming to South Dakota.
The leaves are up to 1.5 inches in length.
Some records include: largest on record - 8 x 6 feet.
Hardy zones 5 to 7
Ceanothus foliosus ( Wavy-Leaf Ceanothus )
A spiny, erect, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 16 x 8 feet. It typically lives about 30 years.
The toothed leaves, up to 0.7 inches in length, are glossy green.
The bright blue flowers are borne in heads, up to an inch wide, during spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 requiring 24 inches or more of average yearly precip.
It thrives in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates clay and summer moisture.
Berryhill
A low, mounding form, reaching only 3 feet in height.
Ceanothus gloriosus ( Point Reyes Creeper )
A central coastal California native that forms a fast growing, carpeting, groundcover shrub.
The leathery, toothed leaves, up to 2 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The rich blue flowers are borne in clusters during spring.
Some records include: largest on record - 3.5 x 17 feet.
Hardy zones 7 to 9, freezing to ground at 2 F.
Prune after flowering.
Anchor Bay
A groundcover reaching up to 2 x 12 feet with glossy leathery foliage.
Emily Brown
A cultivar of subsp exaltatus, reaching up to 4 x 8 feet.
The leaves are small and the very profuse, deep violet-blue flowers are borne during early to mid spring.
Tolerates as low as 5 F.
subsp. exaltatus
An erect shrub reaching a maximum size of 13 x 8 feet. Snow tolerant.
Hearts Desire
A low, dense form, reaching up to 4 inches x 2 feet, that is great for use as a dense, weed smothering groundcover for sloes.
The powdery-blue flowers are borne during early spring.
Hardy to as low as 5 F.
Ceanothus greggii ( Mojave Ceanothus )
A moderate growing, mounding, medium-sized evergreen shrub that is native to mountains of the southwestern U.S.
Some records include: largest on record - 10 x 10 ( rarely over 6 ) feet.
The smooth-edged to toothed, broad-elliptic to oblong leaves, up to 0.7 x 0.4 inches in length, are glossy mid-green. The small white flowers are borne in clusters, up to 1.3 inches across.
The stems are gray.
Hardy zones 5 to 10 in full sun on well drained soil. It is tolerant of heat, wind and cold. It is among the few western Ceanothus(s) that are hardy in the northeast including Michigan.
* USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Ceanothus griseus ( Carmel Ceanothus )
A large arching shrub native to the hills of central California.
Some records include: largest on record - 10 x 10 feet.
The leaves, up to 2 inches in length, are deep green above, gray beneath.
The bright lilac-blue flowers are borne during spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 ( tolerating as low as 10 F ) in full sun. Drought tolerant. Pruning after flowering helps maintain a dense compact habit.
Diamond Heights
A clone originating from Yankee Point with bold attractive glossy foliage that is golden-yellow with deep green blotches. It is semi-dwarf, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 6 feet.
subsp. Horizontalis ( Carmel Creeper )
Low and spreading, reaching an average size of 2 x 7 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 8 inches x 10 feet; largest on record - 3 x 36 feet.
The leaves, up to 2 inches in length, are glossy bright green.
The light blue flowers are borne during early spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Hurricane Point
Very fast growing with a spreading habit.
Some records include: largest on record - 3 x 36 feet.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Kurt Zalnik
Extremely dark blue flowers.
Some records include: largest on record - 3 x 15 feet.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Louis Edmonds
Some records include: largest on record - 12 x 20 feet.
The flowers are borne in large clusters, up to 6 inches.
Hardy zones 8 to 10, it is killed to ground at 0 F.
Santa Ana
Spreading in habit with deep blue flowers.
Some records include: largest on record - 8 x 20 feet.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Yankee Point
Fast growing and low spreading shrub, reaching up to 3 feet in height, with deep blue flowers.
The foliage is glossy deep green.
Some records include: 3 years - 10 feet across; largest on record - 5 x 17 feet.
Hardy zones 8 to 10, the foliage tip burns at 20 F and the plant is killed at 0 F.
Ceanothus hearstiorum
A moderate growing, extremely prostrate groundcover shrub, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 10 feet, that is native to the central California coast where it is endangered.
The oblong leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are deep green.
The flowers are mid blue.
Hardy zones 8 to 9 in full sun to partial shade. Clay and drought tolerant.
Ceanothus impressus ( Santa Barbara Ceanothus )
A rapid growing, bushy, dense, spreading large evergreen shrub, native to scrublands of southern California. Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 15 feet; largest on record - 20 x 20 ( rarely over 10 ) feet.
The aromatic, deeply-veined leaves, up to 0.5 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The profuse, deep blue flowers are borne in small, dense clusters during mid to late spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 requiring 12+ inches of average yearly rainfall. It has no leaf damage at 15 F and freezes to ground but resprouts at 0 F. Prefers full sun on light well drained site. Prefers a warm site protected from excessive wind. Tolerant of coastal conditions and limey soil. Cut back side shoots after flowering.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Vandenburg
Dense and mounded in habit, reaching up to 6 x 6 feet in 5 years, eventually larger.
The leaves are tiny and crinkled.
Hardy zones 7b+ ( tolerating as low as 5 F ).
Extremely drought tolerant.
Ceanothus incanus ( Coast Whitethorn )
A bushy spreading, medium sized, evergreen shrub, reaching around 10 x 11 feet, that is native to forested foothills in coastal mountains of northern California.
Some records include: largest on record - 13 x 13 feet.
The ovate leaves, up to 2.5 inches in length, are gray-green.
The small, slightly fragrant, white flowers are borne in dense clusters, up to 3 inches in length, during late spring into early summer.
The branches are somewhat thorny.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 preferring full sun on light well drained site. Prefers a warm site protected from excessive wind. Tolerant of coastal conditions and limey soil.
Cut back side shoots after flowering.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Ceanothus integgerimus
The leaves make a great tea.
Ceanothus leucodermis
Some records include: largest on record - 13 x 12 feet.
The leaves are up to an inch in length.
Hardy zones 7 to 9, freezing to the ground at 0 F and root hardy to as low as -15 F.
Ceanothus x lobbianus
The hybrid between Ceanothus dentatus & C. griseus.
Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 13 feet; largest on record - 15 x 15 feet.
The leathery, toothed, oblong leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are deep green above, pale green beneath.
The flowers are deep blue.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus maritimus ( Maritime Ceanothus )
A handsome, groundcover shrub, reaching up to 3 feet in height, that is native to coastal California.
The Holly-like leaves are very glossy deep green.
The bright blue flowers are borne during spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.
It thrives in coastal areas with clay soil ( does not like clay ) and even grows well in parts of the eastern U.S. Drought tolerant.
Ceanothus megacarpus
A medium size evergreen shrub native to southern California.
Some records include: largest on record - 13 x 10 feet
The leathery, oblong leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are deep green above, pale green beneath.
The flowers are white.
Hardy zones 7 to 10. It is very drought tolerant due to its deep roots.
Ceanothus oliganthus
A very fast growing, large shrub. Some records include: largest on record - 17 x 13 feet.
The leaves, up to 1.5 inches in length, are glossy bright green.
The flowers are medium blue.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in sun to partial shade.
Ceanothus x pallidus
Marie Blue
Compact in habit, reaching up to 3 x 4 feet.
The misty blue flowers are borne during late spring.
They are followed by showy red seed heads.
Hardy zones 6 to 8.
Marie Simon
A deciduous shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 8 feet, bearing rose-pink flowers.
The attractive stems are red.
Hardy zones 6a to 10 in full sun to partial shade.
Deer resistant.
Perle Rose
A bushy, mounded, deciduous shrub, reaching a maximum size of 13 x 8 ( rarely over 6 ) feet.
The broadly-oval leaves are glossy mid-green, persisting late in autumn.
The tiny pink flowers are borne in dense racemes during mid summer into early autumn. The flowers are borne on current seasons growth.
Hardy zones 6 to 8, preferring full sun on light, well drained site. Prefers a warm site protected from excessive wind. Tolerant of coastal conditions and limey soil, this is among the few Ceanothus that thrive in the eastern U.S..
During early spring - cut back to a basal framework or to within 4 inches of previous seasons growth.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Ceanothus papillosus ( Wartleaf Ceanothus )
A vigorous large shrub. Some records include: largest on record - 17 x 15 feet.
The narrow leaves, up to 2 x 0.5 inches, are glossy mid-green.
The flowers are rich blue.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 with no damage at 5 F. Drought tolerant.
Ceanothus prostratus ( Squaw Carpet )
A creeping, evergreen shrub shrub which makes a great groundcover. Some records include: largest on record - 1.5 x 10 feet.
The toothed leaves, up to 1 x 0.5 inches, are deep green.
It profusely bears bright blue flowers during spring.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in sun to partial shade on soil with excellent drainage. It thrives in the eastern U.S. only where summers are cool. It hates heat and requires snow cover in winter.
* photo taken by Robert H. Ruf @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Ceanothus purpureus ( Holly-leaf Ceanothus )
Some records include: largest on record - 7 x 10 feet.
The spine-toothed, leathery leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are glossy deep green.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 requiring 12 + inches of average yearly precip.
Ceanothus rigidus ( Monterey Ceanothus )
A very fast growing, dense spreading shrub. Some records include: 10 years - 4 x 6.5 feet; largest on record - 13 x 17 feet.
The toothed, wedge-shaped leaves, up to 1.5 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The purple-blue flowers are borne in dense heads, up to 1.3 inches in length, during spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 tolerating as low as 10 F. Heat tolerant and extremely drought tolerant.
Snowball
White flowers.
Ceanothus sanguineus ( Redstem Ceanothus )
A shrub, native from British Columbia to western Montana; south to northern California to Idaho; also found in the Black Hills of SD and Isle Royale in Michigan.
The toothed foliage is luxuriant mid-green.
The flowers are white.
The leaves make an excellent tea.
Ceanothus spinosus
* photo of unknown internet source
Ceanothus thyrsifolius ( Blueblossom )
A fast growing, small evergreen tree, native from California to Mexico.
Some records include: 20 years - 23 x 33 feet; largest on record - 41 x 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.5 feet.
The oblong leaves, up to 2.3 inches in length, are deep green.
The fragrant, pale blue flowers are borne in large clusters, up to 6 inches in length, during spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on light, well drained soil.
Very drought tolerant. Cut back side shoots after flowering. Pruning back stem tips after flowering will encourage a denser habit. Remove dead wood any time of year.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Oregon Mist
Very fast growing, reaching up to 10 feet in 3 years, with tiny glossy deep green leaves, up to 0.3 inches in length.
The intense blue flowers are borne profusely during spring and fall, then sporadically for the rest of the year.
Developed by Xera Plants Inc., it is among the hardiest of all C. thyrsiflorus cultivars, it is hardy north to zone 7a having originated from wild plants at the far northern limit of its natural range in Coos County.
Repens
A very fast growing, dense, spreading to mounding groundcover form, that is native to coastal scrub in northern California. Some records include: 10 years - 6.5 x 10 feet; largest on record - 6.5 x 17 feet ( typically lower in habit, not exceeding 3.5 feet ).
The broad elliptical leaves are glossy deep green.
The tiny, bright blue flowers are borne in dense, rounded racemes during late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 7 to 10, tolerates windy coastal conditions.
Skylark
Reaches up to 7 x 7 feet, with deeply-veined glossy deep green foliage and
The very fragrant, mid-blue flowers borne profusely during late spring then sporadically over a long season lasting into early autumn.
Hardy zones 8a ( 7 on protected sites ) +
* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery
Snow Flurry
Reaches up to 10 x 12 feet, with rich green foliage contrasting with pure white flowers borne on large sprays.
Hardy zones 8b+
Ceanothus tomentosus
A fast growing, rounded shrub. Some records include: largest on record - 13 feet.
The leaves are up to 1.3 inches in length.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 with no damage at 0 F
* photo of unknown internet source
Ceanothus veitchianus
A fast growing, evergreen shrub reaching a maximum size of 13 x 13 feet, that is the hybrid between Ceanothus rigidus & C. thyrsiflora. Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 8 feet.
The wedge-shaped leaves, up to 1 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The profuse deep-blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 2 inches across, during early summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 surviving even further north into zone 4 as a perennial.
Ceanothus velutinus ( Tobacco Bush )
A large shrub ( rarely small tree ) that is native to western North America, from British Columbia and Alberta to South Dakota; south to central California to Colorado.
Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 2 feet; 5 years - 7 feet; largest on record - 20 x 33 feet; longest lived - 50 years.
The leaves, up to 3 x 2 inches, are glossy green above, velvety beneath.
The leaves make a great tea.
The white flowers are borne in dense panicles during mid-summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8, preferring cool summers.
* photo of unknown internet source
* photos taken by Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
HYBRIDS
More hybridizing should be done to produce cold hardy blue flowering Ceanothus.
* photos of unknown internet source
Ceanothus A.T. Johnson
A vigorous, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 13 x 11 feet.
The leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are glossy green above, gray downy beneath.
The profuse, fuzzy, rich blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 2.5 inches in length, during spring, often repeating during autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Autumnal Blue
A vigorous, bushy, medium-size, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 10 feet.
The broadly oval leaves are glossy bright green.
The profuse, sky-blue flowers are borne in panicles, up to 3.2 inches in length, from late summer into autumn, often also during late spring.
Hardy zones 6 to 10 in full sun on light well drained site. Prefers a warm site protected from excessive wind. Tolerant of coastal conditions and limey soil. Cut back side shoots after flowering.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Ceanothus Blue Buttons
A spreading, large, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum height of 17 feet.
The powdery-blue flowers are borne in clusters during late spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Blue Cascade
Some records include: first year - 12 feet; largest on record - 40 feet.
The leaves, up to 2 x 0.5 inches, are deep green.
The mid blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 3 inches across.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Blue Cushion
A compact, arching, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6.5 x 8 feet.
The flowers are pale blue.
Hardy zones 7 to 10
Ceanothus Blue Jeans
An evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 10 ( rarely over 5 ) feet.
It makes a great informal hedge.
The small, Holly-like leaves are up to 1.5 inches in length.
The vivid medium blue flowers are borne early to mid spring.
The flowers constrast well with Tete a Tete Daffodil.
Hardy zones 7b to 10 tolerating at least as low as 0 F, thriving in the Pacific Northwest.
Ceanothus Blue Mound
A medium-sized evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 8 feet.
The finely-toothed leaves are are glossy green.
The bright blue flowers are borne in dense clusters, up to 3 inches in length, during late spring into early summer, often repeating late summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Burkwoodii
The hybrid between Ceanothus floribundus & C. Indigo.
A bushy, dense, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 10 feet.
The oval leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are glossy green above, gray beneath.
The bright blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 2.3 inches in length, during late summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Cascade
An evergreen large shrub or small tree.
Some records include: largest on record - 27 x 12 feet.
The leaves are up to 2 inches in length.
The bright blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 3.2 inches in length, during spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Celestial Blue
Some records include: largest on record - 10 x 13 feet.
It can flower up to 10 months of the year.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 tolerating as low as 0 F.
Ceanothus Centennial
A fast growing, creeping, low, evergreen shrub, reaching up to 2 x 6 ( averaging 0.5 x 5 ) feet, that is the hybrid between Ceanothus foliousus & C. griseus. It is valuable as a dense, weed smothering groundcover and also for trailing over walls.
The attractive, tiny foliage is glossy green.
The flowers are intense mid to deep blue.
Hardy zones 8a+, requiring a Mediterranean climate with a dry summer.
Ceanothus Concha
A dense, arching, spreading, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 23 x 27 ( rarely over 10 x 12 ) feet. Some records include: 5 years - 8 x 8 feet. It is a hybrid between Ceanothus impressus & C. papillosus.
The narrow leaves are up to 2 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The profuse, deep blue flowers are borne in clusters during mid to late spring.
The flowers are red in bud.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 tolerating as low as 0 F.
It prefers little or no summer water.
Ceanothus Dark Star
A very fast growing, spreading, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 12 feet.
The tiny leaves, up to 0.5 inches in length, are glossy deep blackish-green.
The fragrant, intense deep blue flowers are borne late winter to early spring.
Hardy zones 7b to 10 ( tolerating as low as 5 F ), preferring little or no summer water. Thrives in the Pacific Northwest if planted against a warm south facing wall.
Ceanothus Delight
The hybrid between Ceanothus papillosus & C. rigidus.
A large, evergreen shrub, reaching 10 x 10 feet in 10 years and a maximum eventual size of 17 x 17 feet.
The ovate leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are deep green.
The bright blue flowers are borne in long panicles, up to 4 inches in length, during spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 10
Ceanothus Edinburgh
A clone of an upright form of Ceanothus griseus.
A vigorous, bushy, upright, evergreen shrub, reaching 8 x 10 feet in 10 years and a maximum size of 13 x 13 feet.
The leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are olive green.
The rich deep blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 2 inches in length.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Edwardsii
A fast growing, tall evergreen shrub.
The leaves are glossy, deep green above, light green beneath.
The deep blue flowers are borne in dense clusters during late spring.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Frosty Blue
A very fast growing large shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 12 feet. It typically lives around 15 years.
The leaves are up to 0.5 inches in length, are very glossy green. The blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 4 inches in length.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 tolerating as low as 0 F. Clay tolerant.
Ceanothus Gentian Plume
A fast growing, spreading, evergreen large shrub to small tree.
Some records include: largest on record - 25 x 30 feet.
The deep blue flowers are borne in large open panicles during spring, often repeating during autumn.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles
A cultivar of Ceanothus x delileanus, forming a vigorous, bushy, deciduous shrub.
Some records include: 10 years - 6.5 x 6.5 feet; largest on record - 14 x 8 feet.
The broadly oval leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are mid-green.
The showy powdery blue flowers are borne in dense, large clusters, up to 8 inches in length, from mid-summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 tolerating as low as 0 F, preferring full sun on light well drained site. Prefers a warm site protected from excessive wind, it is among the few Ceanothus that thrive in the hot humid southeastern U.S. Tolerant of coastal conditions and limey soil.
During early spring - cut back to a basal framework or to within 4 inches of previous seasons growth.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.
Ceanothus Italian Skies
A variety of Ceanothus foliousus.
A fast growing, medium size, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 12 feet.
Some records include: 10 years - 5 x 8 feet.
The small leaves, up to 0.7 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The bright blue flowers are borne in branched inflorescences, up to 6 inches in length.
Hardy zones 8 to 10, the foliage may be damaged below 10 F but is quick recovering during spring.
Ceanothus Joyce Coulter
A shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 13 ( rarely over 5 x 8 ) feet.
Long lived, it can survive for more than 20 years.
The leaves are up to 2 inches in length. The blue flowers are borne in large clusters, up to 5 inches in length.
Hardy zones 8 to 10. No damage at 8 F; frozen at 0 F.
Tolerant of heat and drought, fire and clay.
Ceanothus Julia Phelps
A moderate growing, medium size shrub. Some records include: largest on record - 12 x 13 feet.
The leaves, up 1 inch in length, are deep green.
The purplish red buds open to indigo blue flowers.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 tolerating as low as 0 F
Ceanothus Ken Taylor
Flowers are lilac colored.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Pin Cushion
A dense, compact arching shrub. Some records include: largest on record - 7 x 7 feet.
The leaves,up to 2.5 inches in length, are deep green.
The flowers are deep blue.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Puget Blue
A dense large shrub. Some records include: 2 years - 6 feet; largest on record - 10 x 10 feet.
The leaves are up to 0.8 inches in length.
The deep blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 2 inches in length, late spring into summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Ray Hartman
A fast growing, long lived, somewhat weeping, evergreen large shrub to small tree.
Some records include: 18 months - 10 feet; 2 years - 20 feet; largest on record - 20 x 25 feet. Its life expectancy is around 20 or more years.
The large leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are deep green.
The dark blue flowers are borne in clusters, up to 6 inches in length.
Hardy zones 8 to 10. No damage at 15 F, severe damage at 0 F, death at -5 F.
Ceanothus Southmead
Some records include: largest on record - 5 x 5 feet.
The oblong leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are glossy deep green, light green beneath.
The very deep blue flowers are borne spring and summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10
Ceanothus Tilden Park
A fast growing, dense, bushy, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 6.5 feet.
The small, narrow leaves are glossy green.
The very profuse, lilac-blue flowers are borne on sprays up to 4 inches in length, during mid to late spring.
Hardy zones 7a+ in full sun to partial shade. Tolerant of ocean salt breezes.
Ceanothus Topaz
A compact, semi-evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 10 ( rarely over 8 ) feet.
The broad leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are deep green.
The indigo-blue flowers are borne early summer until autumn frost.
The flowers are borne on new wood.
The flowers are followed by attractive red seedheads.
Hardy zones 6 to 10. Very tolerant of seashore conditions.
Prune after blooming.
Ceanothus Tuxedo
A very unusual shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 8 feet, that is a hybrid between C. americana & C. thyrsifolia.
The deep black foliage contrasts very well with the lavender-blue flowers during late summer and autumn.
Hardy zones 8a+ ( tolerating 0 F )
Ceanothus Victoria
Also called Ceanothus impressus Victoria. A dense, upright, rounded, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 9 x 12 ( rarely over 8 ) feet. It can be sheared as a hedge.
The deeply-veined, ovate leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are very glossy, very deep green.
The bright bluish-purple flowers are borne profusely during early summer then sporadically the rest of the season.
Hardy zones 7a+ ( tolerating 0 F but is possibly even hardier north to zone 6 against a protected south facing wall or if covered in cloth during the coldest part of winter ).
* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery
Mountain Mahogany
Cercocarpus
A genus of 6 species of semi-evergreen to evergreen trees and shrubs that are also known as Mountain Mahogany. They are all native to western North America and are distant relatives of the Roses. They are elegant low maintenance trees and are becoming increasingly popular in the west. All Cercocarpus have stiff branches and scaly bark. The inner bark makes an excellent purifying orange-brown tea.
The dark brown wood is hard and heavy. The wood makes excellent fuel, it burns for a long time also giving off intense heat.
They are easy to grow within their native range and deserved to be much more widely used in landscaping. They are sometimes seen sold in containers in the west.
The Cercocarpus prefer full sun on moderately dry to moist well drained soil. They are drought tolerant once established. So drought tolerant that in fact they are sometimes the only hardwood tree in some parts of their natural range. Their roots fix nitrogen enabling them to thrive on very poor soil.
Propagation is from seed, cuttings and layering. Germinating is quicker if seeds are soaked for 8 minutes in hydrogen peroxide then rinsed in cool water before sowing.
They should be transplanted to their permanent sites as young container plants.
They can also be grown from semi-ripe cuttings taken during mid summer.
Cercocarpuss suffer in wet humid climates and are not known in the eastern U.S.
CAUTION: Deer protection may be needed, however in contrast these plants may be grown for cattle feed in dry climates.
Cercocarpus alnifolius ( Island Mountain Mahogany )
Also called Cercocarpus betuloides var. blancheae. It is a narrow evergreen shrub to small tree, typically reaching around 12 x 4 feet, that is native to the Catalina Islands. Some records include: largest on record - 33 x 7 feet.
Its narrow habit makes it an excellent screen plant for the landscape.
Its foliage is very luxuriant, in fact the most luxuriant and lush of all the Cercocarpus.
The obovate leaves, 2.5 inches in length, are deep green above, white hairy beneath.
The foliage becomes deciduous and drops at temperatures below 12 F however there is no stem damage and new foliage will appear following spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 9, no damage reported at 0 F.
Cercocarpus betulifolia ( Birchleaf Cercocarpus )
A moderate growing, graceful, open, evergreen shrub to small tree, reaching up to 25 feet, that is native from southern Oregon to Arizona, south to Baja.
Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 3 feet; largest on record - 40 x 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.2 feet.
It makes an excellent attractive screen for dry climates.
The obovate leaves, up to 1.5 x 0.5 inches ( 2.5 inches in length in subspecies from less hardy subspecies from Catalina Islands ), are deep green above, white hairy beneath.
The flowers are borne in clusters of 1 to 3. They are followed by attractive silvery fruits.
The bark is smooth and light gray.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 ( tolerating as low as -20 F with no damage ) in full sun to partial shade. Very drought tolerant.
* photo of unknown internet source
Cercocarpus breviflorus ( Hairy Cercocarpus )
An evergreen large shrub to irregular, erect to spreading small tree, reaching up to 16 feet, that is native to mountainous parts of Arizona, New Mexico to western Texas; south into bordering parts of Mexico. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 2 feet; largest on record - 25 x 17 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 foot.
The oblong leaves, up to 1 x 0.5 inches, are gray-green above, hairy beneath.
The flowers are borne in clusters of 1 to 3.
The bark is red-brown.
Hardy zones 5 to 8. Very heat and drought tolerant.
Cercocarpus intricatus
* photo of unknown internet source
Cercocarpus ledifolius ( Curlleaf Cercocarpus )
An attractive, moderate growing, evergreen shrub to small tree, reaching up to 25 feet, that is native to the Rocky Mountains from north central Oregon, far southeast Washington to western Montana and central Wyoming; south to southern Californin, southern Nevada, northern Arizona to southwest Colorado. Some records include: largest on record - 40 x 36 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet; longest lived - 1350 years!!!. An extremely useful plant for the dry intermountain west; it even makes an excellent sheared hedge. Can be pruned heavily and trained into a bonsai, often even naturally appearing that way in the wild.
The smooth edged, narrow oblong leaves, up to 2 x 1 ( rarely over 1.5 ) inches, are glossy deep green
above, gray or brown felted beneath. The leaves can be used to make tea.
The solitary, white haired flowers are borne mid to late summer.
They are followed by plumed silvery fruit.
The branches are twisted. The bark is red-brown and furrowed on mature trees.
Hardy zones 2 to 7 in full sun to partial shade. Easy to grow. Requires 22+ inches of yearly precipitation.
Tolerates seashore conditions and drought.
OTHER USES: You can make your own tea by using the leaves of this tree.
* photo of unknown internet source
* photos taken by Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* photo taken by Cassondra Skinner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* photo taken by USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Cercocarpus montanus ( Alderleaf Cercocarpus )
A moderate growing, deciduous to semi-evergreen, twiggy large shrub to rounded small tree, reaching up to 18 feet, that is native to the western U.S. from central Oregon to southeast Montana to western South Dakota; south to southern California to Laredo Texas. Some records include: largest on record - 23 x 15 feet. It generally takes 2 years to produce a 1 gallon plant in nursery production.
The deeply-veined, coarsely toothed, spathulate to rounded leaves, up to 1.3 inch, are glossy green above, downy beneath. The foliage turns deep yellow in autumn.
The small, greenish-white to dull pink, tubular flowers are clustered, borne during early spring,
They are followed by a fruit that is a wooded capsule tailed with a twisted feathery plume, up to 2 inches in length, persisting through the winter.
The bark on young trees is brown and smooth with paler lenticels, darker with with rough narrow ridges on older trees.
The dark brown wood is hard and heavy.
Hardy zones 3 to 9
OTHER USES: An important browse plant for cattle, sheep and deer.
* photo of unknown internet source
Argenteus
Originating in western Texas, has silvery foliage and is exceptionally hardy, thriving as far north as zone 4 ( tolerating as low as -38 F ).
var traskiae
Reaches a maximum size of 25 x 27 feet. The leaves are larger, up to 2.5 inches in length.
Hardy north to zone 8.
Similar Plants
Purshia tridentata ( Antelope Bitterbush )
A medium size shrub with gray, evergreen foliage. The yellow flowers are borne during spring.
Read More..
A genus of 6 species of semi-evergreen to evergreen trees and shrubs that are also known as Mountain Mahogany. They are all native to western North America and are distant relatives of the Roses. They are elegant low maintenance trees and are becoming increasingly popular in the west. All Cercocarpus have stiff branches and scaly bark. The inner bark makes an excellent purifying orange-brown tea.
The dark brown wood is hard and heavy. The wood makes excellent fuel, it burns for a long time also giving off intense heat.
They are easy to grow within their native range and deserved to be much more widely used in landscaping. They are sometimes seen sold in containers in the west.
The Cercocarpus prefer full sun on moderately dry to moist well drained soil. They are drought tolerant once established. So drought tolerant that in fact they are sometimes the only hardwood tree in some parts of their natural range. Their roots fix nitrogen enabling them to thrive on very poor soil.
Propagation is from seed, cuttings and layering. Germinating is quicker if seeds are soaked for 8 minutes in hydrogen peroxide then rinsed in cool water before sowing.
They should be transplanted to their permanent sites as young container plants.
They can also be grown from semi-ripe cuttings taken during mid summer.
Cercocarpuss suffer in wet humid climates and are not known in the eastern U.S.
CAUTION: Deer protection may be needed, however in contrast these plants may be grown for cattle feed in dry climates.
Cercocarpus alnifolius ( Island Mountain Mahogany )
Also called Cercocarpus betuloides var. blancheae. It is a narrow evergreen shrub to small tree, typically reaching around 12 x 4 feet, that is native to the Catalina Islands. Some records include: largest on record - 33 x 7 feet.
Its narrow habit makes it an excellent screen plant for the landscape.
Its foliage is very luxuriant, in fact the most luxuriant and lush of all the Cercocarpus.
The obovate leaves, 2.5 inches in length, are deep green above, white hairy beneath.
The foliage becomes deciduous and drops at temperatures below 12 F however there is no stem damage and new foliage will appear following spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 9, no damage reported at 0 F.
Cercocarpus betulifolia ( Birchleaf Cercocarpus )
A moderate growing, graceful, open, evergreen shrub to small tree, reaching up to 25 feet, that is native from southern Oregon to Arizona, south to Baja.
Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 3 feet; largest on record - 40 x 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.2 feet.
It makes an excellent attractive screen for dry climates.
The obovate leaves, up to 1.5 x 0.5 inches ( 2.5 inches in length in subspecies from less hardy subspecies from Catalina Islands ), are deep green above, white hairy beneath.
The flowers are borne in clusters of 1 to 3. They are followed by attractive silvery fruits.
The bark is smooth and light gray.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 ( tolerating as low as -20 F with no damage ) in full sun to partial shade. Very drought tolerant.
* photo of unknown internet source
Cercocarpus breviflorus ( Hairy Cercocarpus )
An evergreen large shrub to irregular, erect to spreading small tree, reaching up to 16 feet, that is native to mountainous parts of Arizona, New Mexico to western Texas; south into bordering parts of Mexico. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 2 feet; largest on record - 25 x 17 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 foot.
The oblong leaves, up to 1 x 0.5 inches, are gray-green above, hairy beneath.
The flowers are borne in clusters of 1 to 3.
The bark is red-brown.
Hardy zones 5 to 8. Very heat and drought tolerant.
Cercocarpus intricatus
* photo of unknown internet source
Cercocarpus ledifolius ( Curlleaf Cercocarpus )
An attractive, moderate growing, evergreen shrub to small tree, reaching up to 25 feet, that is native to the Rocky Mountains from north central Oregon, far southeast Washington to western Montana and central Wyoming; south to southern Californin, southern Nevada, northern Arizona to southwest Colorado. Some records include: largest on record - 40 x 36 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet; longest lived - 1350 years!!!. An extremely useful plant for the dry intermountain west; it even makes an excellent sheared hedge. Can be pruned heavily and trained into a bonsai, often even naturally appearing that way in the wild.
The smooth edged, narrow oblong leaves, up to 2 x 1 ( rarely over 1.5 ) inches, are glossy deep green
above, gray or brown felted beneath. The leaves can be used to make tea.
The solitary, white haired flowers are borne mid to late summer.
They are followed by plumed silvery fruit.
The branches are twisted. The bark is red-brown and furrowed on mature trees.
Hardy zones 2 to 7 in full sun to partial shade. Easy to grow. Requires 22+ inches of yearly precipitation.
Tolerates seashore conditions and drought.
OTHER USES: You can make your own tea by using the leaves of this tree.
* photo of unknown internet source
* photos taken by Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* photo taken by USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Cercocarpus montanus ( Alderleaf Cercocarpus )
A moderate growing, deciduous to semi-evergreen, twiggy large shrub to rounded small tree, reaching up to 18 feet, that is native to the western U.S. from central Oregon to southeast Montana to western South Dakota; south to southern California to Laredo Texas. Some records include: largest on record - 23 x 15 feet. It generally takes 2 years to produce a 1 gallon plant in nursery production.
The deeply-veined, coarsely toothed, spathulate to rounded leaves, up to 1.3 inch, are glossy green above, downy beneath. The foliage turns deep yellow in autumn.
The small, greenish-white to dull pink, tubular flowers are clustered, borne during early spring,
They are followed by a fruit that is a wooded capsule tailed with a twisted feathery plume, up to 2 inches in length, persisting through the winter.
The bark on young trees is brown and smooth with paler lenticels, darker with with rough narrow ridges on older trees.
The dark brown wood is hard and heavy.
Hardy zones 3 to 9
OTHER USES: An important browse plant for cattle, sheep and deer.
* photo of unknown internet source
Argenteus
Originating in western Texas, has silvery foliage and is exceptionally hardy, thriving as far north as zone 4 ( tolerating as low as -38 F ).
var traskiae
Reaches a maximum size of 25 x 27 feet. The leaves are larger, up to 2.5 inches in length.
Hardy north to zone 8.
Similar Plants
Purshia tridentata ( Antelope Bitterbush )
A medium size shrub with gray, evergreen foliage. The yellow flowers are borne during spring.
Beyond the Border Part 3 How to Select Plants for Landscape Settings
This is the third post in a series I’m doing on perennials and grasses in the larger landscape. I’ve made the claim that perennials and grasses—possibly the most dynamic and interesting plants a designer can use—ought to be used more often in our built landscapes. Imagine our public landscapes, yards, and office parks cloaked in a rich tapestry of sustainable and beautiful perennials and grasses inspired by the patterns and palettes of our native vegetation.
My last post talked about a compositional strategy of massing plants in order to reduce their maintenance and increase their legibility. This post will focus on the second strategy: how to choose the right plants. Plant selection is absolutely critical to the long term success of a planting, and to be honest, it’s not easy. Here are some general strategies that can help.
What Plants Do I Choose?
Choosing the right plant for the right spot is hard enough. With every site, there is a dizzying list of cultural requirements (exposure, slope, soil, climate) that one must consider. In a larger landscape setting, there are additional design factors to consider.
1. Filler Plants to Create Volume
| Aster oblongifolius creates volume against a drive. Design by Ching-Fang Chen |
Large perennial and grass beds are most attractive when they create volume against a void, such as a lawn, path, or street. Let me share a secret with you. Great perennial planting in landscape settings is not about perfectly balanced flower colors—though color matters. It’s not really about creating great photogenic combinations—though combinations add style to a composition. Half the battle in creating herbaceous plantings that endure is to simply cover the ground at a relatively uniform height. If you can find perennials and grasses that thickly carpet the ground and range in height from 12-42 inches, youre halfway there.
In his books and interviews, Piet Oudolf talks much about the distinction between structural and filler plants. This distinction is key to his compositions. A structural plant is one whose form is distinctive and architectural, whereas a filler plant has a more amorphous, cloud-like form. Consider the strongly structural flowers of an Echinacea or an Echinops. In a composition, the eye will fall onto these distinct forms. These plants also tend to dry into distinctive seed heads in the fall and winter, creating enduring interest through the year. Filler plants include most ornamental grasses (Switchgrass) and many mounding perennials (Asteromea mongolica). Oudolf recommends using a ratio that heavily emphasizes structural plants to filler plants, around 70/30, mostly to make sure the composition has strong form throughout the year.
My advice is to reverse that ratio. Of course, Oudolf’s work is undeniably beautiful and masterful. But I have two problems with using that many structural plants in landscape settings. First, structural plants tend not to cover the ground as well as filler plants. So when they’re not maintained well, it creates gaps where weeds can fill in. Second, since structural plants are more about a distinctive profile of a flower or leaf, they tend to have shorter bursts of interest. Yes, they look great in winter, but there are moments in early spring, for example, when they’re wiry or just not as full.
Find a palette of perennials and grasses that quickly cover and carpet the ground, and then mass them in large groups. Think about perennials or grasses you’ve seen that are vigorous, thick coverers. Ornamental grasses fill this role beautifully, so for landscape settings, consider using them as a higher percentage of the total composition than you would in a border (around 30-50%). Densely-matting perennials such as Aster oblongifolius, Solidago ‘Fireworks’, Asteromea mongolica, Persicaria amplexicaulis, Pycnanthemum muticum, and others should be the basis of your palette. Your base palette should be perennials that have year-round volume, not necessarily year-round blooms.
If your composition uses mostly filler plants, won’t it be just an amorphous blob? The key to creating dynamic visual interest with filler plants is create contrast between massings.
2. Create Contrast between Massings
Since filler plants tend to be more amorphous in form, it’s important to contrast texture or flower color from mass to mass. A fine textured Switchgrass, for example, should be contrasted in the adjacent mass with a coarser textured Persicaria or a shrub rose. Structural perennials should be used, but in smaller pockets that get repeated at the edges of the larger masses. See the diagram. The S indicate structural perennials. This strategy emphasizes the volume and ground-covering strength of filler perennials, while using structural perennials as accents that get repeated throughout.
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3. Incorporate Low Woody Shrubs
3. Incorporate Low Woody Shrubs
| Rhus aromatica Gro-Low forms a dense mass |
For long-term reliability in large, low-maintenance landscapes, you have one more resource available to you. The use of low shrubs (36” or less) can be a way to add texture, reliability, and interest to your landscape. I’m not talking about those awful carpeting junipers, crimson barberries, or sprawling euonymus that get scattered all over strip mall parking lots. Instead, use a palette of soft, loose, and flowering shrubs that accent perennials. Some of my favorite low shrubs include Caryopteris, shrub roses, Clethra, Aromatic Sumac, Spiraeas, and Itea. Low evergreen shrubs like boxwoods or laurels are can also anchor aspects of the design.
If you use low shrubs, the trick is to choose plants that are loose in form and compact in height. Newer cultivars expand our options to shrubs that once were large and sprawling.
Plant selection is never easy, and to be honest, requires a good bit of trial and error. But if you pay attention to perennials that are vigorous, compact, and have year-round volume, you’ll start to develop a palette and technique that can be applied almost anywhere.
Next post: Beyond Installation—What is required to make perennials and grasses last?
If you use low shrubs, the trick is to choose plants that are loose in form and compact in height. Newer cultivars expand our options to shrubs that once were large and sprawling.
Plant selection is never easy, and to be honest, requires a good bit of trial and error. But if you pay attention to perennials that are vigorous, compact, and have year-round volume, you’ll start to develop a palette and technique that can be applied almost anywhere.
Next post: Beyond Installation—What is required to make perennials and grasses last?
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