Californian Lilac Victoria

One of the hardiest ceanothus, a cultivar of a North American species, Ceanothus thyrsifolius Victoria is a vigorous, fast-growing, medium-sized to tall, evergreen shrub with an upright, bushy, habit. The branches are graceful and arching, and the leaves are small and wrinkled, and a glossy deep-green, keeping their attractiveness through the winter. In May and June compact panicles of deep blue flowers make a fabulous display. Attractive to early butterflies and bees and, like all ceanothus, largely ignored by deer. Likes a sunny, warm spot sheltered from cold, drying winds; can be wall-trained. Californian lilac Victoria is very drought-tolerant once established.

Site: Sheltered; will tolerate salt air
Soils: Any really well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: All year, especially early summer
Hardiness: Hardy
Height up to 8 (2.5m) Spread to 10 (3m)