Ceanothus

Ceanothus Plants – Best In New Zealand!

Adding colourful shrubs such as Ceanothus to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds and bees.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Ceanothus plants, and the right one for your space. These plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Ceanothus, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Ceanothus Questions

1. What is the fastest growing Ceanothus?

The fastest growing Ceanothus in NZ is the Ceanothus 'Roweanus'. It can grow up to 2 metres tall and the same wide inside of 5 years. It has dark green leaves and clusters of small, blue flowers in spring and summer.

Another fast growing Ceanothus in NZ is the Ceanothus 'Snow Flurry'. It is a medium-sized evergreen shrub that grows to 1.5 metres tall and the same wide in 5 years. It has dark green leaves and clusters of small, white flowers in spring and summer.

2. Is Ceanothus native to NZ?

Ceanothus is not native to New Zealand. It is a genus of over 50 species of evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees native to North America. However, there are a few Ceanothus cultivars that have been grown in New Zealand for many years, such as Ceanothus 'Roweanus' and Ceanothus 'Snow Flurry'. These cultivars are well-adapted to the New Zealand climate and can be grown in a variety of soil conditions.

3. Where is the best place to plant Ceanothus?

The best place to plant Ceanothus is in a sunny spot. They can tolerate a variety of soil types, as long as they are well drained. Ceanothus are also relatively drought tolerant once established, but it will benefit from regular watering during the first growing season.

4. Which Ceanothus is the deepest blue in NZ?

There are a few Ceanothus varieties that are grown in New Zealand with deep blue flowers, including:

• Ceanothus 'Roweanus', also known as the New Zealand Blue Ceanothus, has dark green leaves and clusters of small, deep blue flowers in the spring and summer. It can grow up to 2 metres tall and the same wide.
• Ceanothus 'Blue Sapphire' is a relatively new cultivar with dark green leaves and clusters of the deepest blue flowers in late spring. It can grow up to 80 cm tall and 1.5 m wide.

5. Can you grow ceanothus?

Ceanothus grows well in New Zealand and here’s what you need to consider:

Suitable varieties:

• Ceanothus 'Roweanus': Also known as the New Zealand Blue Ceanothus, this cultivar is well-adapted to the NZ climate and tolerates a variety of soil types. It grows up to 2 metres tall and blooms with deep blue flowers in spring and summer.
• Ceanothus 'Snow Flurry': Another good option for NZ, this variety has delicate white flowers and grows to about 1 metre tall.
• Ceanothus 'Blue Sapphire': This relatively new cultivar boasts the deepest blue flowers among ceanothus varieties in NZ. It grows up to 80 cm tall and 1.5 m wide.
• Ceanothus 'Yankee Point': This compact variety is a good choice for ground cover, growing to about 1 m tall and wide.

Growing conditions:

• Ceanothus prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
• They need well-drained soil, as they are sensitive to waterlogging. Sandy or loamy soil is ideal.
• While drought-tolerant once established, young ceanothus need regular watering during the first growing season.
• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

6. Which ceanothus makes best hedge?

The best Ceanothus for a hedge depends on the desired height:

• For low hedges (below 1m): Consider Ceanothus 'Yankee Point', a compact variety with dark green foliage and bright blue flowers.
• For medium hedges (1-2m): Ceanothus 'Roweanus' (NZ Blue Ceanothus) is a good choice with deep blue flowers and good tolerance to NZ conditions.
• For tall hedges (over 2m): Ceanothus 'Concha' might be suitable, but it can be quite vigorous and require regular pruning.

7. What is the lifespan of a ceanothus plant?

The lifespan of a ceanothus plant can vary depending on several factors, but generally they live for 10 to 15 years.

8. What looks good next to ceanothus?

Here are some excellent companion plants for Ceanothus:

Foliage contrast:

• Silver-leaved plants: Lavender, Rosemary, Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue), Helichrysum italicum (Curry Plant)
• Purple-leaved plants: Heuchera 'Amethyst' (Coral Bells), Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' (Lavender), Allium nigrum (Black Garlic)
• Golden-leaved plants: Achillea millefolium 'Moonshine' (Yarrow), Carex morrowii 'Golden Sedges', Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii (Blue Spurge)

Flowering companions:

• Spring bloomers: Nepeta x faassenii (Catmint), Erysimum 'Bowles Mauve' (Wallflower), Salvia nemorosa (Wood Sage)
• Summer bloomers: Kniphofia uvaria (Red Hot Poker), Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue', Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
• Fall bloomers: Aster amellus (Michaelmas Daisy), Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Joy', Crocus spp. (Crocus)

Groundcovers:

• Thyme: Various varieties offer different scents and colors.
• Ajuga (Bugleweed): Provides a low-growing carpet of green or bronze foliage.
• Stachys byzantina (Lamb's Ears): Adds soft texture and silvery leaves.