Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ California Lilac: A Complete Growing Guide

Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ is an award-winning variety of California lilac cherished for its stunning floral display. In spring, this compact evergreen shrub becomes smothered in clusters of fragrant royal blue flowers. ‘Dark Star’ makes an excellent addition to coastal gardens, borders, slopes and more.

In this growing guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing the beautiful Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’, including tips for care, hardiness, pruning and more.

Overview of Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’

Part of the buckthorn family, Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ is a broadleaf evergreen shrub selected for its prolific flowers and compact habit Here are some key facts

• Grows 4-6 feet tall and wide.
• Produces abundant blue blooms in spring.
• Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
• Tolerates heat, drought, deer and salt spray.
• Rated hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
• Received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

With its incredible floral display and neat, mounding form, ‘Dark Star’ makes a great addition to gardens in coastal climates.

All About the Flowers

The main attraction of Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ is undoubtedly its spring flowers.

• Blooms emerge in late spring.
• Flowers are deep royal blue in color.
• Bloom clusters literally smother the shrub.
• Foliage takes on a purple-blue cast when in bloom.
• Flowers are lightly fragrant.
• Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

The abundant flowers give Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ outstanding curb appeal and provide a welcome source of early season color Blooms generally last for 4-6 weeks

Growing Habit & Foliage

In addition to its flowers, ‘Dark Star’ California lilac has attractive foliage and form.

• Displays a dense, mounding, vase-shaped habit.
• Foliage is evergreen in mild climates.
• Leaves are small, dark green and oval-shaped.
• Foliage has a fine texture.
• Takes on purple tones in winter.
• Grows at a moderate rate.

With its neat, compact shape that never exceeds 6 feet, ‘Dark Star’ fits easily into garden beds and borders.

How to Grow Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’

This California lilac variety thrives with minimal care. Follow these growing tips:

Sun: Plant in full sun for heaviest flowering. Light afternoon shade is tolerated.

Soil: Grow in average to poor, well-drained soil. Avoid overly rich soil.

Water: Drought tolerant once established. Water regularly until rooted, then taper off.

Zones: Rated for zones 8-10, tolerant to around 25°F when mature. Protect from hard freezes.

Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to shape and maintain size. Avoid heavy pruning.

Fertilizer: Usually not needed, but apply balanced fertilizer in early spring if desired.

With the right conditions, Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ is easy to grow and care for. Proper siting and minimal pruning are key.

Where to Plant

Here are some ideal locations for growing this compact California lilac:

• Coastal gardens: Tolerates salt spray, wind and cool temps.
• Sunny borders: Provides color impact along beds, paths and walls.
• Slopes and banks: Roots hold soil in place. Drought tolerant.
• Specimen shrub: Makes a nice standalone accent.
• Group plantings: Plant in multiples for big floral impact.
• Hedges and screens: Evergreen foliage provides year-round screen.

‘Dark Star’ thrives near the ocean and combines well with other Mediterranean plants.

Tips for Pruning

Though minimal pruning is needed, light shaping after flowering helps keep Ceanothus looking its best:

• Prune soon after blooms fade in early summer.
• Remove spent flower clusters and shape loosely.
• Avoid heavy shearing, but trim errant branches.
• Prune no more than 1/3 of the plant each year.
• Cut back any freeze damage in spring. Avoid heavy renewal pruning.
• Never prune late summer through winter.

Take care not to over-prune, as severe pruning can remove next season’s flower buds.

How to Use in the Landscape

Thanks to its compact size, vibrant blooms and neat form, Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ lends itself to various garden uses:

• Groundcover: Spreads 6-8 feet wide. Use on banks and slopes.

• Groupings: Plant in groups of 3, 5 or 7 for floral impact.

• Mixed beds: Combine with lantana, yarrow, agave and more.

• Specimen: Makes a bold standalone accent in beds or rock gardens.

• Containers: Looks fantastic spilling over patio pots and planters.

• Borders: Edge beds, patios, paths and driveways.

• Hedges: Space 2-3 feet apart for a petite flowering hedge.

There are limitless ways to incorporate this petite, floriferous shrub into your landscape.

Growing from Cuttings

You can easily propagate Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ from semi-hardwood cuttings in summer:

1. Take 6 inch cuttings from healthy stems.
2. Trim off bottom leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
3. Insert into moist potting mix.
4. Maintain humidity and provide bottom heat.
5. Rooting takes 2-3 months.
6. Transplant rooted cuttings into garden soil.

Taking cuttings ensures new plants are identical to the parent. Purchase plants from reputable nurseries to avoid diseases.

Common Pests and Diseases

Overall, Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ shows good disease and pest resistance. Potential issues include:

• Scale insects: Check stems for small bumps indicating scale. Control with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays.

• Root rot: Provide well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.

• Leaf spot: Usually cosmetic. Improve air circulation and clean up fallen leaves.

• Powdery mildew: Appears as white powdery coating on leaves. Treat with neem oil or sulfur sprays.

• Aphids: Monitor new growth and control with strong water sprays.

Fortunately, this California lilac variety is less susceptible to issues than many other Ceanothus species. Proper care and siting help prevent most problems.

Variety Alternatives

If ‘Dark Star’ isn’t suited to your climate or growing needs, consider these popular Ceanothus varieties:

• Ceanothus ‘Concha’ – Prostrate groundcover with blue flowers.

• Ceanothus ‘Victoria’ – Taller variety growing 8-10 feet high.

• Ceanothus ‘Joyce Coulter’ – Profuse white blooms in spring.

• Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’ – Large blue blooms on 10 foot shrub.

• Ceanothus ‘Centennial’ – Hardy variety with vivid blue flowers.

Check with your local nursery to find the best Ceanothus variety for your specific needs and climate.

Enjoying Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ in Your Garden

With its vigorous flower power and neat evergreen foliage, Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ California lilac provides year-round appeal in coastal gardens. Set against vibrant blue spring blooms, the fine-textured foliage forms an attractive backdrop. This compact, low-maintenance shrub thrives with minimal care. For an easy-growing shrub that delivers outstanding floral impact, be sure to consider this California lilac star.