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Description
Ceanothus Autumnal Blue is a shrub that grows up to 6 feet tall and wide. It is a California native plant that belongs to the Rhamnaceae family. The plant has evergreen foliage that is small, glossy, and dark green in color. The leaves have a leathery texture and are lance-shaped. Ceanothus Autumnal Blue produces small, fragrant, powder blue flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring. The plant attracts butterflies and bees and is a great addition to any garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus | Ceanothus |
Appearance
Ceanothus Autumnal Blue has a rounded, bushy habit with dense foliage. The evergreen leaves are small and glossy, measuring about 1 inch long and 0.5 inches wide. The leaves are dark green in color and have a leathery texture. The powder blue flowers are small and fragrant, measuring about 0.25 inches in diameter. They bloom in clusters from late winter to early spring and attract bees and butterflies. The plant produces small, brown, round fruit capsules that contain seeds.
Care Guide
Ceanothus Autumnal Blue is a low-maintenance plant that requires well-draining soil and full sun exposure. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and requires occasional watering during the summer months. Fertilization is not necessary for this plant, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can encourage growth. Ceanothus Autumnal Blue can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but performs best in well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ceanothus Autumnal Blue is generally pest and disease-free. However, the plant can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly-draining soils. Overwatering can also lead to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. To prevent these issues, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Ceanothus Autumnal Blue is native to California and is commonly found in the chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats. The plant grows in dry, rocky, and sandy soils and can tolerate drought conditions. Ceanothus Autumnal Blue is often used in landscaping and is a popular choice for xeriscapes and native gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Ceanothus Autumnal Blue?
A: Ceanothus Autumnal Blue is drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering during the summer months.
Q: Can Ceanothus Autumnal Blue tolerate shade?
A: No, Ceanothus Autumnal Blue requires full sun exposure to thrive.
Q: Does Ceanothus Autumnal Blue attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Ceanothus Autumnal Blue produces fragrant flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Ceanothus Autumnal Blue?
A: Ceanothus Autumnal Blue is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Related Plants
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
- Ceanothus griseus
- Ceanothus impressus
- Ceanothus papillosus
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/ceanothus-autumnal-blue-california-lilac
- https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1953/autumnal-blue-california-lilac/
- https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/58384/
