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California Native Plant

Ceanothus 'Joyce Coulter'

Joyce Coulter California Lilac

Plant photo of: Ceanothus 'Joyce Coulter'
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Information by: The Plant Nerd Inc.        Photographer: Susan Frommer

 

Description

This cultivar has a generous amount of medium blue, tiny flowers in 3"-5" clusters. It can (with good drainage) tolerate garden moisture and heavy soils. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

Maintenance Tips

Ceanothus 'Joyce Coulter' is a low-growing hybrid of the native California Lilac. This variety can reach 2’ tall and up to 8’ wide. It can also occasionally send up some vertical growth, so prune out the upright branches as they emerge if you want to keep the ground cover form. To keep the maintenance as low as possible, plant in full sun, in well-drained soil, and give this plant the room it needs to reach its full mature size. The amount of space this plant requires is often underestimated, leading to poor pruning habits, like shearing, to control the size. If it is planted in a tight space, it is best to use the thinning method of pruning, cutting off the longest branches to the interior of the plant to allow sunlight in and to allow it to keep a natural shape. Over-watering during the hottest months of the year can lead to both pest and fungal issues. Water infrequently and deeply throughout the year and keep the soil around the base of the plant dry to help discourage pest and disease problems.

 

Plant Type

Shrub

Height Range

1-3'

Flower Color

Blue

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Wild Garden, Woodland

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Specimen, Unusual Shape

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Entry, Shrub Border, Park, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Roadside, With Rocks

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Water Saving Tip:

Group plants with similar watering needs in the same area.