Ceanothus

[GaryR]

From our front garden today. Several species of Ceanothus are native to California and Oregon where they are sometimes known California Lilac. Incredible color. This is a hybrid called "Dark Star" .We planted it about 9 years ago. Pollinators love it. With some variety of azalea in the background.

 

[Malc2098]

Mission Control bought one last year after our patio had been rebuilt. I've managed to murder it!

There's a huge one at the entrance to our local Morrisons. Fantastic colour. Complete obscures the visibility splay when exiting the store.

 

[Windows]

Ceanothus would be great for the south east since they’ll survive a drought, but when I see them in the garden centres, they don’t have the small leaves like the ones I’m used to like Gary’s. How did you kill yours Malc? Too much water?

 

[AJB Temple]

They can be splendid ...then suddenly die at the drop of a hat.

 

[Malc2098]

Ceanothus would be great for the south east since they’ll survive a drought, but when I see them in the garden centres, they don’t have the small leaves like the ones I’m used to like Gary’s. How did you kill yours Malc? Too much water?

Yes, I think so.

 

[GaryR]

Yes, I think so.

The recommendation here is to water them the first year after planting and then never again. They evolved to withstand summer drought and depend on dry summers. Even so, not particularly long lived.

 

[Mike G]

From our front garden today. Several species of Ceanothus are native to California and Oregon where they are sometimes known California Lilac. Incredible color. This is a hybrid called "Dark Star" .We planted it about 9 years ago. Pollinators love it. With some variety of azalea in the background. View attachment 33278

I imagine ours is the same as it looks identical. It's grown big enough to just about block one access to the veggie garden, but our last one dropped dead overnight, and this one is about 10 yearts old, so I expect it will be gone soon. We'll enjoy it whilst it lasts, though, as it's stunning.

 

[TrimTheKing]

I imagine ours is the same as it looks identical. It's grown big enough to just about block one access to the veggie garden, but our last one dropped dead overnight, and this one is about 10 yearts old, so I expect it will be gone soon. We'll enjoy it whilst it lasts, though, as it's stunning.

View attachment 33366

How's the vine going into the potting shed getting on Mike...?

 

[Mike G]

Extremely well Mark. Last year (its 3rd season) we picked far more grapes than we could use, and this year it looks like producing 3 or 4 times as many. Its other big role is shading the greeenhouse and reducing the glare and over-heating:





The latter photo shows it coming in through the wall.

 

[TrimTheKing]

Excellent mate, love it.

 

[Yojevol]

Here's my neighbour's ceanothus:-


As you can see, it's a partially reverted variegated version, possibly Zanzibar. Note how the blooms on the reverted branches are much bigger.
Brian

 

[TrimTheKing]

Here's my neighbour's ceanothus:-
View attachment 33373

As you can see, it's a partially reverted variegated version, possibly Zanzibar. Note how the blooms on the reverted branches are much bigger.
Brian

What does reverted mean in this context Brian?

 

[Yojevol]

What does reverted mean in this context Brian?

Variegated shrubs and trees are clones which have a genetic disorder as compared with the basic species. They retain the ability to throw out new growth true to their natural parentage. This phenomenon is referred to as reversion, ie reverting to basic.
Brian

 

[TrimTheKing]

Ahhh okay, so the 'reverted' leaves are non-variegated as per the genetic throwback?