Ceanothus 'Dark Star'

Dark Star California Lilac

Evergreen Shrub

"Easily one of the showiest wild lilacs commonly grown in our climate. Tiny almost black/green warty foliage is completely covered by masses of foamy deep cobalt blue flowers for several weeks in April into May. One of the showiest cultivars. The depth of blue is amazing. Very few plants can match the intensity of the hue blue. Fast growing evergreen shrub to 6′ x 8′ in three years. Full sun and average, well drained soil. Light consistent water to establish then none. Site out of subfreezing east wind which will not kill it but can burn it badly. Easy, spectacular, fast, west coast native shrub. Note: The size of Ceanothus has everything to do with the fertility of the soil and access to water. Poor to average soil is best for a more moderate rate of growth and not as huge of a shrub."—Description Courtesy Xera Plants

Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10

Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low, Low Water / No Water, Occasional

Soil: Lean, Rocky, Well-drained

Description

Size: 48 - 72 tall x 72 - 96 wide
Shape / Form: Irregular, Rounded
Foliage Texture: Fine
Foliage Quality: Fine

Features: Attracts Bees, Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Flexible Culture, Flowers, Year-round Interest

Foliage Color: Green

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


Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Beds and Borders, Habitat, Hedges and Screens, Hell Strip, Mixed Border, Rock Garden, Small Gardens, Specimen, Structure / Foundation
Special Situations: Deer Resistant, Heat Tolerant, Low Water / No Water, Once-a-Year Maintenance, Seaside / Salt Tolerant
Wildlife: Bees, Butterflies, Deer Resistant, Pollinators

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Winter, Spring, Summer, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: mid-plane filler
Collections: eGardenGo Favorite

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low

Suitable Substitutes

Perfect Partners

Halimiocistus wintonensis 'Merrist Wood Cream' | Merrist Wood Cream Rockrose
Yucca filamentosa 'Color Guard' | Color Guard Adam's Needle

Plant Combos