What: The Victoria cultivar of California lilac, also known as ceanothus, looks great all year long thanks to its dense growth and deeply veined, glossy, dark evergreen leaves.
Why plant it? It’s one of the most versatile and hardy blue-flowered shrubs for Northwest gardens. It tolerates shearing and works well as a hedge, screen or windbreak. When in bloom, it attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It is extremely drought tolerant once established.
Where: Victoria ceanothus requires full sun and well-drained soil. It doesn’t mind salt-laden sea air, so is often planted in seaside gardens.
How: Water it deeply during its first two seasons to encourage a deep, extensive root system. Protect it from especially cold winter winds.
Actual size: It reaches about 4 feet high and 6 feet wide in 10 years. Eventually it can reach 9 feet high and 12 feet wide.
Learn more: See www.greatplantpicks.org.
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