This library and any plant lists generated from it reflect plants we’ve carried or could obtain over the past 12–18 months, not our current inventory or availability.
“Fire Wise” plants are not fireproof. These plants, when maintained properly, have a higher fire resistance reducing fire danger. This list is built on the recommendations of local governments and the Diablo Firesafe Council
Ray Hartman California Lilac
Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman'
Height: 20 feet
Spread: 15 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 8a
Other Names: syn. Ceanothus Blue Sky, Wild Lilac
Description:
A vigorous large shrub or small tree, with dark green glossy foliage; a prolific bloomer, with abundant clusters of luminous blue flowers, adding color in late winter; perfect as a landscape or garden feature; very drought tolerant once established
Ornamental Features
Ray Hartman California Lilac is bathed in stunning clusters of sky blue star-shaped flowers with royal blue eyes along the branches from late winter to early spring. It has attractive dark green evergreen foliage. The large glossy oval leaves are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter.
Landscape Attributes
Ray Hartman California Lilac is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a shapely oval form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Spreading
Ray Hartman California Lilac is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Mass Planting
- Hedges/Screening
- General Garden Use
Planting & Growing
Ray Hartman California Lilac will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.
This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. This plant will benefit from an application of bonemeal and/or mycorrhizal fertilizer at the time of planting. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.
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