With its sweetly scented flowers and attractive foliage, the California lilac (Ceanothus spp) is a gorgeous ornamental shrub Native to the western United States, this versatile plant thrives in gardens across North America. If you’re looking to add California lilacs to your outdoor space, you’re in luck – these desirable shrubs are available at many nurseries and garden centers. Keep reading to learn more about the California lilac and where to find these beauties for sale.
Overview of the California Lilac
The California lilac refers to a group of over 50 evergreen shrub species native to California and Oregon. These medium-sized shrubs display clusters of light blue, purple, or white flowers from late winter into spring. The foliage is oval, shiny, and rich green. Certain varieties add visual interest with variegated or deep burgundy leaves.
California lilacs are extremely drought-tolerant and adapt readily to most well-drained soils Mature shrubs reach heights of 6-12 feet tall and spreads of 8-12 feet wide Pruning after flowering controls size and promotes dense growth. This versatile plant serves many functions, including hedges, screening, erosion control, and specimen planting.
Growing Conditions for California Lilacs
Native to sunny, dry slopes and woodlands, California lilacs are well suited to xeric and Mediterranean landscapes. Here are their recommended growing conditions:
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Sun Exposure: Full sun
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Soil: Average to poor, well-drained
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pH Range: 5.5 to 7.5
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Drought tolerance: High once established
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Hardiness: USDA zones 7-10, depending on variety
When sited properly, California lilacs require little watering or maintenance to thrive. Good drainage is key to prevent root rot. Amend planting areas with compost to improve nutrient-poor soils.
Where to Find California Lilac Trees for Sale
Looking to add some California lilacs to your garden? Check out these options for buying these beautiful native shrubs:
Local Nurseries
Visit retail nurseries and garden centers, especially those that focus on native and drought-tolerant plants. Selection will vary by region – West Coast nurseries will offer the greatest variety of California lilac cultivars. Shop in late winter or early spring to get first pick of the new season’s inventory.
Mail Order Nurseries
Online nurseries like Mountain Valley Growers, Las Pilitas Nursery, and Annie’s Annuals specialize in California native plants. They carry an extensive selection of California lilac varieties to purchase and ship. Optimal mail order times are early spring or fall.
Local Conservation Plant Sales
Check for native plant sales hosted by botanical gardens, nature conservancies, and conservation groups in your area. These events promote Earth-friendly gardening by making locally-adapted species available at great prices.
Regional Swap Meets
Attending a native plant swap meet is a fun way to get free or discounted California lilacs. These lively community events facilitate exchanging seeds, cuttings, divisions, and advice among passionate native plant enthusiasts.
What to Look for When Buying
Keep these tips in mind when selecting your California lilac shrubs:
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Choose plants with healthy green leaves showing no signs of disease, pests, or damage. Avoid any with yellowing leaves.
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Seek out compact, branched shrubs over tall, leggy ones.
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For faster fill-in, select larger 1-5 gallon sizes over small starter plants.
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When buying mail order, choose expedited shipping times during extreme weather.
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Research mature sizes and growth habits to match the cultivar to your site conditions.
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Talk to the grower for specific culture tips and variety recommendations for your region.
Popular California Lilac Varieties
With over 50 selections available, choosing the right California lilac can be a tough decision. Here are some top picks for gardens:
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‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’ – Compact shrub with violet-blue blooms, reaching just 3 feet tall.
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‘Valley Violet’ – Abundant light purple flowers on a 5 foot shrub.
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‘Yankee Point’ – Low, spreading form to 10 feet wide, with blue flowers and green variegated foliage. Perfect for erosion control.
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‘Ray Hartman’ – Large shrub to 12 feet tall bearing deep blue flower clusters. Drought tolerant and deer resistant.
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‘Wild Fire’ – Brilliant magenta pink blooms contrast beautifully against the dark green leaves.
Visit your local nursery soon to select your ideal California lilac specimens from among the many fantastic varieties. Then enjoy these carefree native shrubs gracing your garden with floral beauty, heady fragrance, and year-round appeal.
Ceanothus, California lilac
FAQ
Where is the best place to plant a California lilac tree?
What is the difference between California lilac and regular lilac?
Does California lilac grow fast?
How tall does a California lilac get?
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Hardiness
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7 – 10 What’s My Zone?
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Exposure
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Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Season of Interest
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Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Late), Fall
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Height
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2′ – 20′ (60cm – 6.1m)
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Spread
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4′ – 25′ (120cm – 7.6m)
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What is a California lilac plant?
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ‘Victoria’ also known as California Lilac Easy to grow, this vigorous, upright evergreen shrub with small glossy green leaves puts on a display of colorful fragrant blue blooms in mid spring. This native low maintenance plant grows from British Columbia, south to Mexico in USDA Zones 8-10. Will
Are California lilacs drought tolerant?
California Lilacs, or Ceanothus, are some of our most fragrant and colorful shrubs here in California. They are also evergreen and very drought tolerant. The myth of Ceanothus being short-lived is primarily spread by incompetent gardeners that insist on drip irrigation, summer water and soil amendments.
What is a 1 year old Lilac plant?
These are 1 year old starter plants. Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ‘Victoria’ also known as California Lilac Easy to grow, this vigorous, upright evergreen shrub with small glossy green leaves puts on a display of colorful fragrant blue blooms in mid spring. This native low maintenance plant grows from British Columbia, south to Mexico in USDA Zones 8-10.
How long do lilacs live in California?
Drought tolerant California native plants hate all three (except irrigation the first summer). Expect a 20-25 year life from your Ceanothus in most gardens. We have many Mountain Lilacs in the ground here that still look good after thirty years.
How big does a lilac tree grow?
Grows fast to 6-8′ x 6-8′ wide, sun, Hardy 5-10f. Evergreen leaves are glossy chocolate brown, purple & green, very nice. Lilac purple flowers in mid summer. Grows a bit slower than the rest, 6′ x 4′. Sun-pt shade, Hardy 10f. Blue flowers in April-May, tiny dark crinkled evergreen leaves & dense habit. Grows 4-6′ x 4-6′, sun, Hardy 5-10f.
What flowers do lilacs have?
Lilac purple flowers in mid summer. Grows a bit slower than the rest, 6′ x 4′. Sun-pt shade, Hardy 10f. Blue flowers in April-May, tiny dark crinkled evergreen leaves & dense habit. Grows 4-6′ x 4-6′, sun, Hardy 5-10f. Easily the most popular Ceanothus we sell, Victoria has showy dark blue flowers in May & glossy evergreen leaves.