June 15, 2011

California Lilac is lovely in June

Locally this plant is called "buckbrush" because deer browse it and lie, during the heat of the day, in its shade. It has come back very strong after the fire wiped out overgrowth. It's latin name is Ceanothus. There are about 80 varieties of this species and most are evergreen. The flowers are tiny and produced in large, dense clusters that are very fragant which the wind carries the fragrance. It is very pleasant to have these plants in abundance in June when they flower.

The seeds of this plant can lie dormant for hundreds of years, and Ceanothus species are typically dependent on forest fires to trigger germination of its seeds. If you are looking for a plant that adapts well to dry hot summers and wet winters, will take snow and cold weather, this is a perfect choice. Deer may browse them, but the plants seem to flourish anyway. The tiny leaves lend themselves well to shearing which can be done after bloom to create a hedge. The natural form of ceanothus to develop into an attractive border specimen. Plants will grow 6' x 6' and are best suited for sunny dry sites.

The one linked below is a lovely blue. 61EzZJz3MZL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

At California Lilac