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Why we like this plant
Ceanothus 'Skylark' is an excellent choice for adding vibrant blue colour to gardens, with its evergreen foliage providing structure year-round. It’s perfect for pollinator-friendly gardens and requires little maintenance once established.
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About this plant
Ceanothus 'Skylark', also known as Californian Lilac, is a compact, evergreen shrub that produces dense clusters of deep blue flowers from late spring to early summer. Its glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round interest, making it an excellent choice for mixed borders, hedging, or as a feature shrub. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, where it can attract bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms. 'Skylark' is a relatively low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal pruning while being drought-tolerant once established.
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Key features
- Masses of deep blue flowers in late spring and early summer
- Evergreen, glossy dark green foliage
- Compact and bushy growth habit
- Attracts bees and butterflies
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Height and
spread -
Growth
habitCompact, bushy
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Moisture
Low to moderate moisture needs
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Position in
the GardenBorders, hedging, coastal gardens, wall-side planting
Planting guide
- Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position
- Space plants 1.2-1.5m apart to allow for spreading growth
- Water well until established, then reduce watering
Care tips
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
- Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as regrowth may be limited
- Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser in early spring
Winter care
- Mulch around the base in autumn to protect roots
- Provide shelter from harsh winds in colder areas
- Ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot