Ceanothus ‘El Dorado’

Common Names: mountain lilac

Family: Rhamnaceae

Origin: California

Type: Evergreen shrub

Size: To 6 ft. high and wide.

Flowers: Deep blue flowers, spring, summer; dark green leaves with splashes of yellow.

Uses: Ground cover, slopes, background, accent, screen, large spaces, near oak trees. Fire resistive.

Wildlife: Habitat, leaves for caterpillars; pollen, nectar, seeds for bees, butterflies, birds. Somewhat deer resistant.

Soil: Must be well-drained (native to rocky slopes).

Water: Seldom, keep away from stem. Some summer supplementary water but let soil dry first.

Sun: Full sun; some shade inland.

Pruning: After blooms have faded; avoid cutting off limbs more than 1 in. in diameter. Pinch back shoot tips during growing season.

Pests & Diseases: Root rot from too much water.

Notes: Native to the chaparral plant community. Hardy to 10° F.