blue blossom
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size15 to 20 feet tall15 to 20 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- White , blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Blue blossom (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus) is a shrub for borders, hedges, and xeriscape gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Plumes of light to deep blue flowers look like lilacs and open in spring. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit the blooms. It grows fast, so give it room or prune it to keep a hedge tidy.
Pairs well with California flannelbush, Golden yarrow, and Karl Foerster feather reed grass.
Native range
CA and OR.