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Plant Guide

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Ceanothus 'Concha'

  • Common Name
    California Lilac 'Concha'
  • CA Native
    California Native
  • Plant Type
    Shrub
  • Size
    6' -7' x 6' - 8'
  • Flower Color
    Dark Blue
  • Bloom Time
    • Spring
  • Leaves
    Dark Green
  • Evergreen
    Evergreen
  • Deer Resistant
    Occasionally Damaged
  • Wildlife Value
    • Attracts Beneficial Insects
    • Bees
    • Bird Habitat
  • Growth Rate
    Fast
  • Hardiness
    Hardy
  • Adverse Growth Factors
    None
  • Special Features
    • Low Maintenance
    • Showy Flowers
  • Water Use
    • Drought Tolerant
    • Low
  • Soil pH
    6.5-7.5 (neutral)
  • Exposure
    • Full Sun
    • Partial Shade
    • Shade
  • Soil Type
    Not Particular
  • Drainage
    Well Drained
  • Description and Cultural Plant Tips

    Ceanothus 'Concha' is one of the oldest Ceanothus hybrids. It is also considered one of the best hybrids out there because of the 1 inch long dark blue flowers and arching branches. These shrubs will survive for 15 -25 years as long as it is in well-drained soil with little to no summer water. Looks great with other natives such as manzanitas, toyons and coffeeberry. It is often used as a specimen shrub, as a dense hedge, on hillsides for erosion control, or for a naturalized garden.

    Plant slightly above soil grade in well-drained soil in a suuny, to part shade location. Ceanothus is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including alkaline. Do not disturb the root ball when planting. Do not add fertilzers or amendments. Plant in the fall to take advantage of the winter rains. May need to water during the 1st summer but after that do not need water. Mulch the top of the soil in a 3 foot circle around the plant.

    Ceanothus is frequented by native benificials and bees. When fully grown it is used as bird habitat.

    Ceanothus is suseptible to root rot caused by water mold organisms. Male sure that this plant receives little to no water in the summer months.   Aphids and whiteflies may also be aproblem but are easy to control.

  • Master Gardener Comments
    N / A
  • Varietals

    C. griseus horizontalis 'Yankee Point' -  3' - 5' tall with medium blue 1 inch clusters

    C. 'Dark Star'  -  5' - 6' tall with dark cobalt blue 1.5 inch flower clusters. Small leaves make them more resistant to deer browsing

    C. rigidus ' Snowball' - 6 ' tall with white 3/4 inch flower clusters