February Plant Pick: Ceanothus

Ceanothus are easy care, pest free native garden subjects. There are more than 40 species of Ceanothus native to California from varied habitats and ranging in size from ground covers to small trees. One of our favorites is a hybrid called ‘Concha’ that grows quickly to 6-8 feet and has medium blue flowers. Many nurseries now carry native plants including.  All Ceanothus appreciate full sun and well-drained soils. Most are drought tolerant once established but they do need regular watering to get started.

Ceanothus 'Concha' a relatively fast growing dense blue flowering native shrub.

As much as we love Ceanothus in gardens I find visiting them in natural areas to be the most inspiring. Get out soon to enjoy them in peak flower.   There’s a great short hiking trail and look out on Double Peak in San Marcos. If you take San Elijo Rd., three miles east from Rancho Santa Fe Rd. you can turn left on Double Peak drive and follow it all away to the top of the hill which affords you spectacular 360 views. The trail winds across the north slope. If you’re in the vicinity of Black Mountain I can recommend the Miners Loop Trail.

Two different Ceanothus species dominate the north county coastal hillsides, one with blue flowers (Ceanothus tomentosus) and one with white flowers (Ceanothus verrucosus). In addition to being spectacularly lovely when covered with flowers both species are fragrant and attractive to bees. The flowers of Ceanothus tomentosus range in color from intense violet blue to a pale sky blue. The entire range of colors is quite attractive and seeing them in habitat never fails to impress.

Ceanothus verrucosus (white) and C. tomentosus (blue) together

 

 

A hillside of Ceanothus in flower.