Care of the shrub Ceanothus thyrsiflorus or Blueblossom |
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The genus Ceanothus, family Rhamnaceae, includes 50 species of shrubs and small trees native to northern and central America. Some species are: Ceanothus thyrsiflorus, Ceanothus arboreus, Ceanothus americanus, Ceanothus griseus, Ceanothus delilianus, Ceanothus coeruleus, Ceanothus rigidus, Ceanothus papillosus. Common names: Blueblossom, Blue blossom ceanothus. This species is native to Oregon and California. They are shrubs that reach 6 meters (19.68 feet) in height; The varieties used in gardening (var. repens, for example) only reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. They have small, dark green leaves with rounded tips and serrated edges. They produce showy blue or white inflorescences that are highly decorative. They bloom in spring and can bloom again in fall. Blueblossom is used to cover dry areas of the garden such as rockeries and slopes; it's also grown in pots. It's recommended for gardens by the sea. Ceanothus thyrsiflorus needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. The ideal soil should be sandy and slightly acidic; Blueblossom does not tolerate clay or excess water. Always water moderately as they are shrubs that tolerate drought very well. Prune lightly after spring flowering to remove wilted inflorescences. Ceanothus thyrsiflorus is a plant quite resistant to pests and diseases; it can suffer chlorosis if the soil is very calcareous. Blue blossom ceanothus propagates by woody cuttings in autumn or by tender cuttings in early spring. |
Images of the shrub Ceanothus thyrsiflorus or Blueblossom |
 Ceanothus thyrsiflorus  Ceanothus thyrsiflorus  Ceanothus thyrsiflorus |