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Julie Bawden-Davis
Plant Care Guide
Ceanothus spp.

California lilac (Ceanothus spp. )

Wild LilacRedrootNew Jersey Tea

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  • General Information
  • Buy
  • Plant
  • Sow Seeds
  • Fertilize
  • Water
  • Prune
  • Mulch
  • Protect
  • Pest/Disease Inspection
  • Treat for Pest/Disease
  • Transplant
  • Propagate
  • Harvest
  • Special requirements

General Information

Evergreen shrubs covered in white to pale blue and violet flower clusters in the spring. Height and growth habits vary by species, from low-growing groundcovers to small trees. Fragrant blooms attract butterflies. Most species are California natives.

Sunset Zones

USDA Zones

Web Link

Buy

When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!

January
Buy ceanothus in the winter when it can be planted.

Plant

When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?

January
Plant ceanothus in a well-draining area of the yard. Locate on a hilly or mounded area whenever possible. Avoid planting in a low-lying area that collects water.

Sow Seeds

When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?

Fertilize

When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?

January
Ceanothus are California natives and do not generally require fertilizing. They are able to extract required nutrients from the soil and also absorb nitrogen from the atmosphere.

Water

Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?

Prune

When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?

Mulch

Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?

Protect

When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?

Pest/Disease Inspection

What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?

Treat for Pest/Disease

How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?

Transplant

When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?

January
Transplant ceanothus in a well-draining area of the yard. Locate on a hilly or mounded area whenever possible. Avoid planting in a low-lying area that collects water.

Propagate

When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?

Harvest

When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?

Special requirements

Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?