Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’, Ray Hartman Lilac
$18.00
Ray Hartman ceanothus is an easy-to-grow evergreen shrub or small tree to 15–20 ft tall by 10–15 ft wide. A garden hybrid of Ceanothus arboreus and Ceanothus griseus, it is available in nurseries statewide. The plant has dark green, glossy leaves and the intense-blue flowers that emerge in late winter to early spring. Stunning when in bloom and very attractive to birds, butterflies, bees and other insects.
Ray Hartman ceanothus grows fast and tolerates fairly dry soil and clay. It naturalizes well on slope bottoms and north-facing slopes. Once established, avoid watering in summer or early fall, as it may shorten the plant’s life.
Give it full sun or part shade. It thrives in cool coastal gardens but also tolerates inland heat. Okay in heavy soils or sand. Deer will eat the new growth in spring, so protecting a new planting may pay off in the end. Rodents may also strip smaller branches and shoots off this lilac to make their nests.