Ceanothus hearstiorum * Hearst's California Lilac

The dark green foliage and blue flowers make Ceanothus hearstiorum a fantastic match for Ceanothus Dark Star. This plant stays low to the ground, gradually matting up to 1' tall. The leaves are sticky so if clean hands are important wear gloves while trimming the plants. Like all Ceanothus this one has a limited lifespan. After 5-7 years it begins to slow down. I have found Ceanothus hearstiorum moderately susceptible to rotting with excessive summer water. And it doesn't need so much water to think it is excessive. I plant these on a 6' grid to get good coverage. I usually over plant Ceanothus hearstiorum expecting to lose a few plants. Once they are established Hearst's California Lilac is pretty dependable for a number of years. Ceanothus hearstiorum is a host plant for the Western Tussock Moth Caterpillar, Hedgerow Hairstreak, California Common Ringlet, and the Pale Tiger Swallowtail and is an early season nectar source for the Spring Azure and Monarch Butterfly.

Other low growing Ceanothus varieties: Ceanothus Anchor Bay, Ceanothus Centennial, Ceanothus Joyce Coulter, Ceanothus maritimus Frosty Dawn, Ceanothus maritimus Point Sierra, Ceanothus maritimus Valley Violet, Ceanothus Yankee Point