This article is part of a publication series based on the Northwest Plant Evaluation Program at Oregon State University. This research program has evaluated flowering shrubs for their suitability in landscapes in Western Oregon since 2000. These publications highlight plants that were successfully grown without irrigation in the trials as well as techniques for growing and establishing drought-tolerant plants in the landscape.
The research trial evaluating the genus Ceanothus occurred during 2001 to 2005 in Silverton, Oregon. The trial compared 38 species, cultivars and hybrid selections of California lilac, which were irrigated only during establishment in the summer of 2001, and were not pruned or fertilized. Information collected about the plants included bloom time, size and cold-hardiness. We have selected the top five performing plants for Western Oregon landscapes based on our research and describe them below.
Hey there, garden enthusiasts! Today I’m super excited to share everything you need to know about one of my absolute favorite shrubs – the Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’, also known as Blue Jeans California Lilac This tough-as-nails plant has totally stolen my heart, and I bet it’ll steal yours too!
What Makes Blue Jeans California Lilac So Special?
Let me tell ya, this isn’t your ordinary garden shrub! Blue Jeans California Lilac is like that reliable friend who always shows up looking fabulous without much fuss. Here’s what makes it stand out
- Fast-growing evergreen shrub that keeps your garden looking fresh year-round
- Gorgeous blue-purple flowers that bloom in spring and sometimes summer
- Super adaptable size, usually reaching 4-7 feet tall and 4-10 feet wide
- Glossy, holly-like green leaves that add wonderful texture
- Tough as… well, blue jeans! (See what they did with the name there? )
Growing Conditions – It’s Easier Than You Think!
Sun and Soil
This plant’s pretty chill about where it grows. Here’s the scoop:
- Loves full sun but can handle dappled shade
- Works in many soil types:
- Acidic or alkaline? No problem!
- Clay soil? Brings it on!
- Rocky or gritty? That’s fine too!
- Just make sure the soil’s well-drained
Water Needs
One of the things we absolutely love about Blue Jeans is how drought-tolerant it is
- Low to occasional watering needed
- Prefers to be dry in summer
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Perfect for water-wise gardens!
Wildlife Benefits – Your Garden’s New BFF
Y’all, if you’re into creating a wildlife-friendly garden, Blue Jeans is gonna be your new best friend:
- Bees absolutely go crazy for the flowers
- Birds love using it for cover
- Seeds are eaten by:
- Bushtits
- Mockingbirds
- Quail
- Finches
Landscape Uses – Versatility at Its Best
I’ve seen Blue Jeans used in so many creative ways in gardens. Here are some of my fave applications:
- Border plantings
- Natural hedges
- Specimen plants
- Year-round interest spots
- Xeriscaping projects
- Coastal gardens (it’s salt-tolerant!)
Tips for Success – Learn from My Experience
After working with this plant for years, here are some pro tips I’ve picked up:
- Plant in spring or fall for best results
- Space plants 4-6 feet apart if creating a hedge
- Prune after flowering if needed
- Don’t overwater – seriously, these guys hate wet feet!
- No need to fertilize much – they’re not hungry plants
Common Problems and Solutions
Even though Blue Jeans is pretty bulletproof, there are a few things to watch for:
- Overwatering: Let the soil dry between waterings
- Poor drainage: Add grit or plant on a slope
- Limited flowering: Check if it’s getting enough sun
- Leggy growth: Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Why Choose Blue Jeans Over Other Ceanothus Varieties?
Listen, I’ve worked with lots of Ceanothus varieties, but Blue Jeans is special because:
- It’s hardier than most (survives down to 0°F)
- Lives longer than many other varieties
- More compact than some wild-growing types
- Reliable bloomer year after year
- Easy to maintain shape through pruning
Seasonal Interest – What to Expect
Here’s what your Blue Jeans will be up to throughout the year:
Spring
- Main flowering season
- Intense blue-purple blooms
- Heaviest bee activity
Summer
- Possible repeat blooming
- Dense green foliage
- Drought tolerance shines
Fall/Winter
- Evergreen structure
- Bird habitat
- Clean winter appearance
Final Thoughts
Y’know what? After growing Blue Jeans California Lilac in various settings, I gotta say it’s one of the most rewarding plants I’ve worked with. It’s tough, beautiful, and eco-friendly – basically everything we want in a garden plant!
If you’re thinking about adding this awesome shrub to your garden, I say go for it! Just remember to give it well-drained soil, plenty of sun, and resist the urge to overwater. Before you know it, you’ll have a gorgeous, low-maintenance shrub that’ll be the talk of the neighborhood.
Got any questions about growing Blue Jeans California Lilac? Drop ’em in the comments below! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more gardening tips and tricks. Happy gardening, folks!
Overview of California lilacs
The genus Ceanothus, also known as wild lilac, California lilac or simply ceanothus, comprises approximately 55 species of woody shrubs native to both eastern and western North America. Most of these species are concentrated in western North America, particularly in California, but at least nine species are also native to Western Oregon, where they are an important component of summer-dry forest, oak woodland and chaparral. Most species are evergreen shrubs, which range widely in habit from prostrate to sprawling or large erect shrubs, with some even forming small trees. Ceanothus are also nitrogen-fixing shrubs and do not require nitrogen fertilizers. Because of this they are best utilized in summer-dry, lean, well-drained soils.
Since blue is a difficult color to find for the garden, Ceanothus are unique in that they allow gardeners to introduce this rare color on a grand scale into the landscape.
The flowering time for the many species is spring into early summer and flower color may be white or pink, but most are various shades of blue. Since blue is a difficult color to find for the garden, Ceanothus are unique in that they allow gardeners to introduce this rare color on a grand scale into the landscape. As a bonus, the flowers of Ceanothus may be lightly scented and are highly attractive to a wide range of pollinators.
In selecting Ceanothus for your landscape, a few things to be mindful of are size, pruning and watering regimes. Some Ceanothus grow very quickly to become large shrubs, which can easily outgrow their allotted space. Carefully check the size of the Ceanothus at purchase and provide it with sufficient space to grow unimpeded to maturity. Pruning these plants excessively to control size, especially evergreen types, often leads to dieback. The semi-deciduous hybrid cultivars are much more forgiving of pruning. Also keep in mind that as mentioned, Ceanothus native to the west are adapted to summer-dry environments and so are naturally summer-dormant. They should only be planted in un-irrigated locations in the garden. Watering them in summer leads to rampant growth and possible root disease.
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CALIFORNIA LILAC | Ceanothus ‘Concha’
FAQ
How big are Ceanothus blue jeans?
| Plant Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Family Name | Rhamnaceae |
| Evergreen/Deciduous | Evergreen |
| Height by Width | 6ft. x 8ft. |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
How do you care for Ceanothus blue jeans?
This hybrid Ceanothus needs full sun to retain its form and to produce the most flowers with intense lavender color. In the shade the form becomes weepy and the color of the flowers becomes a faded denim. It’s a somewhat garden tolerant, good border hedge.
Where is the best place to plant a California lilac tree?
- Cultivation. Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from strong, cold winds. …
- Propagation. Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in mid- to late summer.
- Suggested planting locations and garden types. City and courtyard gardens. …
- Pruning. …
- Pests. …
- Diseases.
Is Ceanothus the same as lilac?
The genus Ceanothus, also known as wild lilac, California lilac or simply ceanothus, comprises approximately 55 species of woody shrubs native to both eastern and western North America.
Does Ceanothus ‘blue jeans’ grow well?
Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’ is a fast-growing broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun – dappled shade and occasional – low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer.
Is Ceanothus a type of lilac?
Ceanothus, also known as California Lilac, is a beautiful shrub that can reach eight feet high and eight feet wide. It is covered with repeat dark blue blooms of flower all summer long after its initial late spring flush.
Can Ceanothus (California Lilac) grow in shade?
Ceanothus (California Lilac) is sun loving but can also tolerate partial shade. It is evergreen, hardy, and grows happily in USDA zones 7–10.
How big does a Ceanothus lilac grow?
A short video about Ceanothus Julia Phelps, Small Leaf Mountain Lilac . With a little pruning, this floriferous Ceanothus grows to only about 2 ft high but about 8 ft wide. Prune the sides and you have a hedge plant. It is OK in mild deer areas, grows well in hot areas, is drought tolerant and fast.
Is Ceanothus a shrub or a tree?
Ceanothus can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees, with simple leaves and small blue, pink or white flowers in profuse axillary or terminal clusters. They are fast-growing but may be short-lived Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from strong, cold winds.
Can a Ceanothus be used as a hedge?
Many Ceanothuses can be used as a hedge. Frosty Blue has deep blue flowers that fade with age. It has shiny bright green foliage. It grows fast to about 6 ft tall and is very drought tolerant.