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Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’ is a popular evergreen shrub in the California lilac family prized for its deep lavender-blue blooms and neat, glossy foliage. This compact mountain lilac thrives in gardens and landscapes across California and beyond.
Overview of Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’
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Common Names Blue Jeans ceanothus blue jeans California lilac
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Scientific Name Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ‘Blue Jeans’
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Mature Size: 3-6 feet tall and wide
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Flowers: Showy lavender-blue blooms in spring
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Leaves: Small, shiny green leaves resemble holly
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Native Range: Hybrid selection, parent species native to California
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Sun Exposure: Full sun
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Soil: Average, well-draining
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USDA Zones: 8-10
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Facts: Deer resistant, drought tolerant, attracts pollinators
Description of Blue Jeans Ceanothus Growth Habit
Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’ is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with an upright, mounding form. It typically reaches 3-6 feet tall and wide at maturity.
The small leaves are rounded, glossy, and resemble holly. They emerge light green and mature to a deeper green color. The foliage remains evergreen throughout the year in mild climates.
This California lilac selection blooms prolifically in spring. Flower clusters are a vivid lavender-blue color. They attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden.
Growing Conditions for Blue Jeans Ceanothus
Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates heat, aridity, and coastal exposure. This makes it an excellent choice for California gardens and landscapes.
Once established, Blue Jeans ceanothus is quite drought tolerant. Use care not to overwater. Good drainage is key to prevent root rot issues.
It can adapt to a range of soil pH levels. However, it prefers slightly acidic soil. In alkaline soils, add elemental sulfur or pine bark to help acidify the root zone.
Tips for Growing Blue Jeans California Lilac
Here are some useful care tips for successfully growing Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’:
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Plant in full sun for best flowering and compact form.
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Space plants 3-5 feet apart for adequate air circulation.
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Allow room for mature width of 4-6 feet.
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Amend planting area with compost to improve drainage.
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Water 1-2 times per week until established, then reduce watering.
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Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture.
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Prune lightly after flowering to shape as needed. Avoid heavy pruning.
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Watch for scale insects, aphids, powdery mildew and root rot.
Where to Use Blue Jeans in Landscape Designs
This adaptable California lilac works beautifully in many garden and landscape settings, including:
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Hedges, screens and borders
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Low pruned foundation plantings
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Mass plantings for erosion control
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Specimen shrub in native plant gardens
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Mixed borders and perennial gardens
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Wildlife gardens to attract pollinators
Advantages of Blue Jeans Ceanothus
Some of the best qualities of Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’ that make it a top choice for gardens include:
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Prolific lavender-blue spring blooms
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Evergreen foliage with year-round appeal
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Compact, mounding form at maturity
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Tolerant of heat, drought and coastal exposure
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Low maintenance once established
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Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
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Deer and rabbit resistant
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Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels
For stunning spring color and easy care, Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’ is highly recommended. This California native lilac thrives with minimal care and brings welcome pollinators to the landscape.
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California Lilac | Ceanothus ‘Concha’
FAQ
How tall do Ceanothus blue jeans get?
Where is the best place to plant a California lilac tree?
Do California lilacs like sun or shade?
Does California lilac grow fast?
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.
What kind of soil does Ceanothus ‘blue jeans tolerate?
Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’ tolerates alkaline soil, sand and clay. Foliage of Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’ has color green and is evergreen. Flower of Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’ has color violet. Communities for Ceanothus ‘Blue Jeans’:Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub and Northern Coastal Sage Scrub.
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.
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.
Are Ceanothus short-lived?
The myth of Ceanothus being short-lived is primarily spread by incompetent gardeners that insist on drip irrigation, summer water and soil amendments. 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.
Are Ceanothus good for deer?
Ceanothus are notorious for being loved by deer. However, this is not entirely true. Without water or fertilizing a Ceanothus looks much less appetizing to a deer. Some species are still viewed as candy in areas where deer populations are high. But many are OK in low or medium deer areas.