Family: Hydrangeaceae

Origin: California

Type: Evergreen shrub

Size: 4 to 6 ft. high, to 4 ft. wide.

Flowers: White flowers with yellow centers to 3 in. in clusters, early spring to summer; narrow leaves 2 to 4 in. long, dark green on top, whiter underneath.

Uses: Color and shape accent, small screen, ornamental gardens, formal gardens, near oak trees, tolerates heat. Fire resistive.

Wildlife: Nectar attracts butterflies. Habitat for birds. Deer resistant.

Soil: Native to decomposed granite, but tolerates a variety.

Water: Low to medium.

Sun: Full sun to some shade in heat.

Pruning: Prune after flowering to control shape. 

Pests & Diseases: Aphid and mites. Oak root fungus resistant.

Notes: New stems are purple; older branches have peeling light-colored bark. Persistent spent leaves; not always attractive. C. c. ‘Elizabeth’ produces more flowers. Hardy to 10° F.