Point Reyes Ceanothus

Point Reyes ceanothus (Ceanothus gloriosus, Rhamnaceae) is a low-spreading evergreen shrub native to coastal California, occurring from Point Reyes northward for about 80 miles. It reaches about 6 feet wide with a 2 to 3 foot height in its groundcover form. Small flowers in deep blue to purple appear in large clusters on the current season's growth.

Point Reyes ceanothus grows in full sun, hardy in Zones 8a to 8b. It is relatively short-lived (5 to 10 years) and most appropriate for steep coastal banks and sand dunes. Documented diseases include leaf spot and root rot; pest associations include ceanothus leafminer, root weevil, and whitefly. The cultivar 'Point Reyes' is the primary selection in the trade. Prune in late winter to early spring.