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Close-up of the showy blue flower of blue blossom ceanothus (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Showy blue flowers and glossy green leaves of blue blossom ceanothus (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Showy blue flowers and glossy green leaves of blue blossom ceanothus (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Blue Blossom Ceanothus

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Ceanothus thyrsiflorus

Blue blossom Ceanothus, also known as mountain lilac, is a low-maintenance, large evergreen shrub with arching branches that bear year-round glossy green elliptic leaves and copious clusters of indigo flowers in the late spring. The spectacular floral display delights pollinators and eventually gives way to small purple or brown fruits that attract songbirds. Like other Ceanothus species, it fixes nitrogen in the soil, controls erosion, provides exceptional refugia habitat for birds and is drought tolerant and deer resistant once established.

  • Plant type/canopy layer: large evergreen shrub or small evergreen tree
  • Size at maturity: 8-23' tall, 6-18' wide
  • Light requirements: full sun to part shade
  • Moisture requirements: moist to dry soil, must be well-drained 
  • Bloom time: April - June
  • Growth rate/ease: fast growing, easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: flowers attract and provide nectar for hummingbirds, adult butterflies, bees and other insect pollinators; branches provide cover and fruits/seeds provide food for birds and small mammals; overall plant attracts and supports beneficial and pest eating insects and is a caterpillar host plant and larval food source for native butterflies and moths
  • Native habitat/range: common in coastal and west-side forests of southwestern Oregon and northwestern California. Portland Plant List - no. 
  • Special features & uses: evergreen; hummingbird and pollinator magnet; wildlife favorite; drought tolerant; deer resistant; landscape uses include rock gardens, habitat hedgerows and open woodland garden edges 

Gardening with Blue Blossom Ceanothus: This shrub is exceedingly low-maintenance, thriving in areas that get half to full day sunshine and a wide range of soil types including loamy, sandy, rocky, and clay soils - as long as they are well-drained. Once established, it is drought tolerant and excess water can result in fungal diseases. Lightly prune leafless interior branches and tips immediately after flowering, only if needed, to maintain a desired shape, but avoid heavy pruning as this will weaken its overall health and diminish its habitat value.

Photo Credit 1: "加州紫丁香 Ceanothus thyrsiflorus [英格蘭 Wisley Gardens, England]" by 阿橋花譜 KHQ Flower Guide is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo Credit 2: "J20170323-0070—Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var griseus—RPBG" by John Rusk is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Photo Credit 3: "File:Madeira, Palheiro Gardens - Ceanothus thyrsiflorus IMG 2317.JPG" by Hedwig Storch is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

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J
Jess E
Fast Grower

I planted my wild lilac Spring of 2023 in a very sunny (afternoon sun) and dry area. I gave supplemental water last summer, but have not given any so far this summer. I love how low maintenance and fast growing this plant is! You can see the growth in just the first year, and it was covered in blooms this year! (one picture is from spring 2023 and the other from June of this year). You can also see some kinnickinnick (very happy) and saskatoon serviceberry (little less happy but doing fine!), oceanspray in the foreground and spirea in the middle!