California lilac (Ceanothus) heralds in spring

California lilac (Picture by Jim Downing)

Spring sends her calling card to California in the form of wild lilacs. Ceanothus spp., California lilac or wild lilac, begins blooming in a wide range of vivid blues at the end of February.

Most of these evergreen shrubs are native to California, however, some varieties can be found throughout the eastern U.S., Rocky Mountains, the Northwest, and Mexico.

Ceanothus varieties include ground covers as well as evergreen shrubs. They range from white to all shades of blue; from a light power blue to a deep violet. The show may begin in February, but some varieties don’t stop perfoming until May. California lilac’s flowers are so intense that a shrub in full blown bloom dazzles the eye. Their leaves are mostly oval-ish and glossy, but will vary in their size and shade of green.

California lilac does best in the full sun and will thrive in places that can be difficult area for other plants. Dry, steep and rocky lopes won’t make Ceanothus blink an eye. Once established, they need very little to no summer water. In fact, they are susceptible to wet soil that encourages root pathogens.

Native plants are not thrilled with having mulch piled up around their trunks, and wild lilac is no exception. If you want the deer to leave them alone, choose a variety with tiny leaves. Don’t prune these guys until all the blooms have faded and try not to cut branches that are larger than 1” in diameter. Ceanothus’ growth is easily controlled bu pinching back the tips of shoots during growing season.

Some Ceanothus varieties:

• ‘Dark Star’ – 5-6 feet tall, sprawls to 8-10 feet wide. Tiny dark green leaves and dark cobalt blue flowers.
• ‘Concha’ – 6-7 feet tall, 6-8 feet wide. Concha tolerates some summer water quite well. Dark green leaves and dark blue flowers.
• ‘Julia Phelps’ – 4 ½ - 7 feet wide, 7-9 feet wide. Small dark green leaves and small indigo blossoms. Julia Phelps is one of the best colors and best bloomers
• ‘Gloire de Versaillies’ – 15 feet tall and wide. Dark green leaves and light blue flowers. Highly fragrant shrub.