Ceanothus gloriosus

Discussion in 'Outdoor Gardening in the Pacific Northwest' started by Serenella, Aug 2, 2024.

  1. Serenella

    Serenella New Member

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    Hello,

    I am thinking of using Ceanothus gloriosus Pt Reyes to cover a sloped sunny area (Vancouver Island)

    I have read that the plant spreads to 6 ft and I am wondering how quickly I can expect it to grow (1 gallon plants) and what spacing would be ideal.
    Thanks.
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Not hardy in the north, so using it as ground cover risks it freezing out at some point. And having to be replaced.
     
  3. Margot

    Margot Renowned Contributor 10 Years

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    Could Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Victoria' work for your situation? It isn't exactly a ground cover but can apparently be kept pruned to about 4-feet tall.
    I often see blue ceanothus in VI gardens but don't know the exact species.

    "Named for Victoria on Vancouver Island, this variety is the hardiest of the Ceanothus family and in my mind, the prettiest."

    Ceanothus gloriosus 'Pt. Reyes' is theoretically hardy to Zone 7 -9 but, as Ron notes it would be at risk especially in another very cold snap like we experienced January 2024.
     
  4. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Listings of 'Victoria' as a pure Ceanothus thyrsiflorus cultivar are incorrect. In addition, the cultivar name may be a synonym of 'Skylark'. Frequent in Whidbey Island plantings, many were damaged by a recent sharp winter. Including one near me that might have been 8 or more ft. tall. And which actually died completely (most others I see here were partly damaged only). So that even this comparatively common selection is too tender (as well as too tall) for use as a living carpet. That is hoped to remain in place and intact for an extended period.
     
    wcutler likes this.
  5. Keke

    Keke Active Member 10 Years

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    We used Ceanothus ‘Centennial’ to cover a south-facing slope of contractor garbage soil and junk in east Vancouver with no irrigation and minimal expected maintenance, crossing fingers the whole way because we weren’t sure it’d be hardy enough. The first year or two it struggled a bit, mostly because we had a hard time finding good quality young plants. But five years on it has grown like a weed, surviving even the hard winters the last two years with little more than a trim to get rid of dead ends. Flowers a bunch in spring and then bits and pieces until frost. The biggest thing you need to know is don’t EVER throw shovels full of what passes for snow in this town on top of it. Ice and compacted snow will do it in. If it gets snowed on, no problem. It’s the added ice and compacted wet that does it.
     
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