Ceanothus x 'Topaz'

Topaz California Lilac

Ceanothus x deslilianus ‘Topaz’

Evergreen, Semi-evergreen Shrub

This semi-evergreen California lilac grows to about 8 feet tall and wide and is covered in trusses of dark blue flowers in summer. Blooms on new wood so can be pruned in early spring to rejuvenate and maintain a more compact form. A very drought-tolerant shrub for full sun.

"Possibly the darkest blue flowering cultivar that blooms in the summer. This hybrid is technically supposed to be deciduous but for us it never has been. Large panicles of cobalt blue flowers erupt from the current seasons growth in June to July. Remove spent flowers and more may follow. To 5′ x 3′ in average to enriched soil with REGULAR summer water. Good drainage. Easy to resize as it blooms on new wood, it may be cut to as low as 18″ in early spring. Black seed capsules follow the flowers and persist until birds relieve them of their contents in autumn. Excellent in borders, as a specimen, or informal hedge-row. Not as drought adapted as most of the genus. This plant is best with consistent moisture through its bloom period- not boggy (ever) but consistent. Remarkable flower color- moody, deep indigo."  Courtesy Xera Plants

Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8, 9

Exposure: Full Sun

Water Needs: Average, Occasional, Regular / Even

Soil: Well-drained

Description

Size: 42 - 60 tall x 36 - 60 wide
Shape / Form: Rounded
Foliage Texture: Medium
Foliage Quality: Medium

Features: Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Attracts Bees, Dwarf / Compact Plant, Flowers, Long Blooming, Low Maintenance, Attracts Birds, Attracts Hummingbirds, Native Plant

Foliage Color: Green

Flower Color: Blue
Bloom Season: Late Spring / Early Summer, Summer
Flower Shape: Cluster


Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Food for Foraging Wildlife, Hedges and Screens, Hell Strip, Mixed Border, Small Gardens
Special Situations: Deer Resistant
Wildlife: Bees, Beneficial Insects, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Pollinators

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Summer
Position / Role: mid-plane filler, back drop
Collections: Plants That Earn Their Keep

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low
Maintenance Tasks: Cut Back to Rejuvenate

Perfect Partners

Geum coccineum 'Totally Tangerine' | Geum

Plant Combos