blue mountain lilac
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark'
Overview
Blue Mountain Lilac (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark') is a showy shrub that's perfect for decorating any landscape. Its blooms are a deep indigo-blue hue, contrasted by bright silver-green foliage. This species is low maintenance and can tolerate some drought conditions. It's drought-resistant, deer-resistant, and fast-growing, making it ideal for gardens with limited space. Its blooms attract a variety of beneficial insects like butterflies and bees, helping to promote biodiversity in the area. Blue Mountain Lilac offers stunning winter interest with its creamy white bark and persistent clusters of deep pink seed pods. Enjoy its beautiful blooms and stunning foliage all season long.
Care Guide
Watering
Blue Mountain Lilac should be watered deeply and regularly. In the growing season (spring and summer), water the plants once a week, applying water until it reaches a depth of 18 inches. Avoid wetting the foliage when watering. Provide less water in autumn and winter, especially if temperatures drop below freezing. To check when it is time to water, insert a 6-inch-long stick into the soil and if dry, water the plant.
Light
Blue mountain lilac (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark') needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight a day in order to thrive. However, the plant should be shielded from hottest part of the the day to prevent leaf burn. So, when possible, it is best to provide the plant with dappled sun throughout the day or to provide partial shelter, such as a light shade cloth. Generally, the best times of day for sunlight are early morning and late afternoon.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 7-10.
Pruning
Blue Mountain Lilac (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark') should be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring. Removing dead or damaged branches and thinning out congested growth helps to ensure healthy, beautiful blooms. To maintain size and shape, judiciously prune back the longest stems to a strong lateral branch. Make sure to sanitize pruning tools between each cut to avoid the spread of disease. The plant may also benefit from supplemental pruning before flowering to encourage more blooms.
Propagation
Cutting, Layering Propagation, Grafting Propagation, Division, Seed Propagation
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies.
Related plants
Other plants you might like if you grow blue mountain lilac.
