Creeping Californian Lilac

Early summer-flowering Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens is a vigorous, low-growing, medium-sized evergreen shrub with a dense, spreading, mound-forming habit, but will grow much taller if wall-trained. The leaves are small, glossy and deep-green, and in May and June masses of powder-blue flower-spikes cover the plant. Does not need much, if any pruning. Also known as creeping blue blossom, it needs a sunny, warm spot sheltered from cold, drying winds, preferably against a warm wall. Although fairly lime-tolerant, it may develop chlorosis on thin chalky soils. Creeping Californian lilac holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered; will tolerate salt air
Soils: Any really well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Borderline hardy
Height up to 5 (1.5m) Spread to 5 (1.5m)