California Lilac Season
At this time of year, the Northern California coast is full of blue flowers. They’re not orchids, but they’re one of my favorites nonetheless. California Lilacs, or Ceanothus, are a North American genus, with many species native to California. They’re a staple of local gardens, currently blossoming in front yards, on hillsides, next to parking lots, and even growing over chain link fences. California Lilacs come in many different forms, from small shrubs to small trees, miniatures, and groundcovers. There are also different color varieties, with dark blue, lavender, or white flowers. Their clusters of tiny, fragrant blooms are bee favorites. Caterpillars of California Tortoiseshell Butterflies feed on their leaves.
The coastal varieties which do so well here are drought-tolerant, and tough enough to grow among invasive and dominating ice plants, which choke out most everything else. They can handle salt and wind. Most stay green all year, but there are deciduous types, too. Ceanothus are nitrogen-fixing plants. To cultivate California Lilacs, plant in soil with good drainage, and grow in full sun. They should be watered throughout their first year, but kept dry after that. Skip the artificial fertilizers, which they don’t like. Protect from deer where needed. Small leaf varieties may have less appeal to browsing deer. With cool, coastal weather, and very little care, they provide years of brilliant blue blooms.
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