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