Fire-resistant plants like this California lilac (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Victoria') can reduce the risk of a wildlife damaging your home and property. (Rick Wetherbee) Last year's record-breaking ... Fire-resistant plants like this California lilac (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Victoria') can reduce the risk of a wildlife damaging your home and property.

Understanding the Context

(Rick Wetherbee) It's frightening to hear about ... Ceanothus (California Lilacs) are compact, fast-growing, drought-tolerant shrubs that produce an abudance of beautiful blue flowers. Ceanothus subgenus Ceanothus consists of evergreen or deciduous species with thin scale-like stipules, alternate leaves, branchlets that may be thorn-tipped, and inflorescences that are generally raceme -like to panicle -like, or occasionally umbel -like. Ceanothus, commonly known as California lilac, is a genus of about 50โ€“60 species of nitrogen-fixing shrubs or small trees native to North America, mostly California.

Key Insights

Ceanothus are perennial woody shrubs, small trees, or ground cover plants grown both for the foliage and blossoms. Most species are evergreen, though some are deciduous. The plants produce dense clusters of small flowers in shades of white, cream, gray, or various hues of blue and purple. Find out how to grow ceanothus, including choosing, watering, pruning, training and propagating. Growing Ceanothus, commonly known as California Lilac, adds vibrant colors and delightful scents to any garden.

Final Thoughts

These evergreen shrubs are renowned for their clusters of blue flowers and can be an excellent choice for gardeners seeking drought-resistant plants.