Ceanothus azureus ‘Concha’ (Californian Lilac)

A pretty little evergreen shrub from California which can be pruned into all sorts of forms with great ease and a little patience. It has a pleasing form but is grown mainly for its masses of fragrant bobbly flowers that smother it in blue foam throughout June. I cannot walk past these without thinking of those nubbly Bassets sweeties; the blue ones in Dads allsorts. Shades of blue from ultramarine to cobalt, and so strongly perfumed even a small one will fill your garden with the sweetest scent.

Technically a shrub but it can be made into a pretty little tree with some judicious pruning if you want. Can be pruned and shaped to give it a raised crown or rounded bobble-shape on slender trunks, or it can make an excellent and fairly quick hedge. Do any pruning and shaping immediately after flowering (early summer) and thereafter through the summer, as required. It’s a vigorous plant so don’t be afraid to be firm with the secateurs: it will forgive you.The more you clip it, the better it looks. Definitely likes a sunny position, in a well drained soil.

It is fairly drought-resistant but don't be misled - drought resistance in plants (except in Cacti) is because the plant is so vigorous it has the ability to find water where others may not. So - important - when first planted, water like mad. It may be potentially drought resistant but it's also a vigorous and therefore a thirsty plant. And remember to water into the rootball, not just the surrounding soil. We know you know this. These ones are propagated by us, from cuttings, and we’re rather proud of ‘em.