Ceanothus delilianus Gloire de Versailles

Ceanothus 'Gloire de Versailles' is a beautiful bushy and vigorous shrub, whose very beautiful, tender blue, summer flowering lasts until autumn. It is more resistant to cold than some Californian ceanothuses, but requires a well-drained soil that remains slightly moist in summer to fully thrive. Its large powdery, slightly scented flower panicles are also highly appreciated by butterflies and bees. It is an excellent companion for roses in a shrub border or in a small informal hedge.

The Ceanothus x delilianus 'Gloire de Versailles' was obtained in France in 1830. This horticultural hybrid is the result of cross-breeding between the very hardy Ceanothus americanus, widely spread in North America, and the C. caeruleus, native to Central America (Mexico), which is much more sensitive to cold. 'Gloire de Versailles' does not like too dry and/or chalky soils, nor heavy, clay and wet soils. This hybrid is the hardiest of all, it can withstand short frosts of about -15°C (5°F).

It is a bushy shrub with a slightly open habit, of medium growth, which rarely exceeds twenty years old. A mature specimen will measure on average 1.50m (4ft 11in) in all directions. Its branches bear ovate, tender green leaves arranged alternately, with three veins, measuring 8 to 10cm (3.9in) long, from spring. They generally fall in autumn, depending on the climate. The decorative interest of this ceanothus lies in its long and beautiful flowering which starts in June-July and can continue in successive waves until October. It is made up of light and upright panicles, 10 to 15cm (5.9in) long, located in the axils of the leaves and at the terminal part of the current year's branches. Each panicle is composed of a multitude of tiny sky-blue flowers with 5 petals and protruding stamens. which are slightly scented, and nectar-producing. The flowers are followed by fruits. 

The 'Gloire de Versailles' Ceanothus is a compact shrub, well suited to small gardens and shrub borders. Its celestial blue flowering beautifully enhances that of roses. Associate it with several shrubs of different colours and forms for a beautiful effect in a border or on a sunny slope. Consider buddleias, lilacs, deutzias, Cotinus and mock oranges.

Advice: If winter damaged, prune in early spring close to the ground. A specimen that has completely frozen will not regrow from the stump. Avoid planting it in the centre of an overly watered lawn.