Californian Lilac Southmead

Early summer-flowering Ceanothus Southmead is a small, evergreen shrub with a dense, bushy habit. Small, glossy, finely toothed deep-green leaves beautifully set off the intensely blue flower-spikes, produced in May and June. Good wall-trained. Will only survive a few degrees of frost, and needs the protection of a warm wall in any but the mildest area. Very easy to grow; does not need much, if any pruning, but should be pruned in spring if necessary. Californian lilac Southmead holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered; will tolerate salt air
Soils: Any really well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Frost-hardy
Height up to 5 (1.5m) Spread to 5 (1.5m)