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Ceanothus Dark Star

Ceanothus impressus Dark Star
California Lilac

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More information

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Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ceanothuses, with a flowering of deep cobalt blue matched with a sweet honey fragrance which is so abundant in May that it completely covers this spreading bush, with its arched branches, and transforms it into a very blue fluffy mass. This evergreen variety withstands temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F). It proves resistant to summer drought once established and tolerates clay and chalky soils well.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
1.75 m
Spread at maturity
2.50 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -9°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time May to June
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Description

Ceanothus Dark Star is a hybrid variety of the Californian lilac recently introduced on the European market, and undoubtedly one of the most attractive. This evergreen bush with a spreading habit has a remarkable spring flowering of a deep cobalt blue color, accompanied by a sweet honey scent. The flowering is so abundant that it completely covers the plant, transforming it into a truly blue, fluffy mass where numerous pollinating insects gather. Like all ceanothuses, 'Dark Star' does not have a long lifespan, and its hardiness may be compromised below -10°C (14°F). However, it is perfectly resistant to summer drought once established and can thrive in poor soils.

 

The Dark Star Ceanothus is a horticultural hybrid, probably resulting from the cross-breeding of C. impressus and C. papillosus var.roweanus, two botanical species native to California. Ceanothuses belong to the Rhamnaceae family, they are cousins of our buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), which rely only on rainwater once established. 'Dark Star' has a bushy and spreading habit, wider than it is tall, supported by flexible branches that arch towards the ground. It is a beautiful bush that can reach a height of 1.50 to 2m (4ft 11in to 6ft 7in), with a spread of 2 to 2.50m (6ft 7in to 8ft 2in). Its lovely pink flower buds appear in May-June, grouped in small dense panicles at the tips of the branches. They open into intensely royal blue flowers, creating an impression of a deep blue-violet overall. This remarkably fragrant flowering is rich in nectar and followed by the formation of seeds which are released explosively. The evergreen foliage is composed of glossy dark green, small, alternate, elongated and finely toothed leaves, with deep veins and measuring 1 to 3cm (0.4 to 1.2in) in length. They resemble miniature oak leaves. Its average lifespan is 15 to 20 years, and it prefers a maritime climate.

 

Of all the evergreen ceanothus hybrids that we cultivate or have cultivated, 'Dark Star' is one of the most winter-resistant in our gardens. Even during the winters of 2008 and 2009, when we lost other ceanothus varieties.

Because of the ongoing love for blue flowers, horticulturists have 'invented' new ceanothus varieties in recent years that are easier to acclimatize and have more modest dimensions, suitable for our gardens and terraces. The Dark Star Ceanothus can tolerate clay or slightly limestone soils if they are loose. It is a beautiful plant to be planted as a specimen, on a terrace or against a wall. It can also be mixed with a mass of easy-to-grow shrubs, which will precede or take over its magnificent flowering: the Buddleia officinalis (pale pink, from February), the Fremontodendron californicum (in April-May-June), the shrubby cistus (Cistus laurifolius, in May), or even the coronillas and the China rose 'Mutabilis'. It can be placed in a mass planting, as an informal hedge, or by the seaside. This variety will also enhance your balconies and terraces.

 

Ceanothus Dark Star in pictures

Ceanothus Dark Star (Flowering) Flowering
Ceanothus Dark Star (Foliage) Foliage
Ceanothus Dark Star (Harvest) Harvest

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.75 m
Spread at maturity 2.50 m
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour blue
Flowering time May to June
Inflorescence Panicle
Flower size 3 cm
Fragrance slightly scented, honey fragrance
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Fruit colour black

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Ceanothus

Species

impressus

Cultivar

Dark Star

Family

Rhamnaceae

Other common names

California Lilac

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference8462111

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Planting and care

Place Ceanothus in a sunny or partially shaded position in ordinary soil that must be moist but well-drained or dry in summer. Be careful of cold drafts that the bush doesn't like. It can be placed near a wall. Plant it all year round, except during frost, by mixing your garden soil with compost, coarse sand, perlite or any material that does not retain moisture. Water generously once or twice a week to promote growth. Only water twice a month from the third year onwards, and only in case of drought. It is a plant that requires very little maintenance and grows easily as long as the conditions are met. Constant moisture in the soil during the winter, as well as in summer, is harmful to the plant. The combination of heat and humidity leads to the development of a fungus that attacks the plant's collar and will be fatal. It is better to plant Ceanothus on a mound in wetter soils. You can lightly prune the stems after flowering to encourage branching. Fertilizer is not recommended (just add a little bonemeal at the bottom of the planting hole). Avoid severe pruning.

 

Cultivation in pots:

Use a lightweight substrate, a mixture of garden soil, coarse sand, and compost. In summer, water abundantly but only when the soil is dry. The plant can be stored in a cool, bright place with little or no heating, protected from severe frost over winter. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring and autumn.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Free-standing, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -9°C (USDA zone 8b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, ordinary, draining

Care

Pruning instructions This bush does not require pruning, however, you can remove faded flowers and dead wood to maintain the compact shape of the plant.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time July to August
Soil moisture Dry soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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