California lilac trees, also known as Ceanothus, are gorgeous flowering shrubs that are perfect for gardens in California and other western states With their clusters of blue, purple, or white blooms and their low maintenance needs, California lilacs add color and texture to spaces year-round If you’re looking to add some of these beauties to your outdoor space, here’s where to find California lilac trees for sale.
A Bit About the California Lilac
Here are some of the best places to buy California lilacs. First, let’s talk about what the plant is. Ceanothus comes from the western United States and Mexico. There are more than 50 species of them. These shrubs have small, oval-shaped green leaves and puffy flowers that bloom in the spring. There are different shades of blue, purple, and white flowers.
California lilac shrubs grow from 5-10 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety. They tolerate heat, wind, drought, deer, and poor soil. Once established, these woody shrubs require very little care. Lilacs prefer full sun and good drainage. Prune them immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year’s flower buds.
Beautiful, hardy, and easy to care for, it’s no wonder California lilac trees are treasured additions to western gardens. Their flowers also attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Now let’s look at some places where you can find these special plants for sale.
California Lilacs at Local Nurseries
Checking out your local independent nurseries is a great place to start your search for California lilacs, Reputable local nurseries often carry a nice selection of these flowering shrubs Try going in the spring to have the best opportunity for finding healthy plants in stock
Know that stocks will vary by location and season. Ask the nursery staff for help locating their Ceanothus collection. Describe the color of blooms and mature size you’re interested in. Often the staff can make personalized recommendations to match your space and needs.
Buying from a local nursery allows you to see the plants in person before purchasing. Check for signs of healthy growth and make sure the roots are not pot bound. Purchasing from a local nursery also means less transport stress for your new lilac tree.
Ordering California Lilacs Online
You can also order California lilac trees from an online nursery. It’s easier and there are more plants to choose from when you buy plants online. Reliable online nurseries like Green Acres Nursery have a lot of different species and cultivars of Ceanothus.
When ordering plants online, look for detailed information on plant size, bloom color, care needs, and growing zones. Use this info to select a variety suited for your climate and space restrictions. Order early in the season before stocks sell out.
Expect shipping delays of 1-2 weeks when ordering nursery plants online. Make sure to plant your new lilac ASAP once it arrives. Follow planting guidelines from the seller for best results.
Check With Local Ceanothus Societies
If you live in California, joining a local Ceanothus society can help you find prized California lilac specimens. These groups exist to promote the conservation and cultivation of wild lilacs. Members get access to specialty plant sales, horticulture lectures, and field trips.
By joining groups like the California Lilac Society, you can get in touch with people who know a lot about Ceanothus. Members can give you advice on which native species or cultivars will do best in your garden. You might also be able to order California lilac group plants before anyone else.
Grow From Seeds
You can grow California lilac trees from seeds for the most variety. It’s fun to make new hybrids this way. In the fall, pick ripe seeds from established plants and put them in the fridge for a couple of months. In winter, plant the seeds in containers indoors. Transplant the seedlings into your garden after the last frost.
Growing California lilacs from seed provides an opportunity to create your own cultivars. But it does require more time, effort, and patience than buying mature nursery plants. And there’s no guarantee of flower color and other traits until the plants reach maturity.
Transplant Wild Specimens
In some cases it is possible to legally collect and transplant native Ceanothus plants from the wild. Always check regulations first, as many states restrict digging up native flora from public lands. In California, lilacs can only be collected from private property with the landowner’s permission.
Wild specimens give your garden an authentic sense of place. And transplants from nearby regions have the advantage of already being acclimated to the local environment. Go this route only if you can ethically and legally acquire plants. Avoid endangering fragile wild populations by over collecting.
Key Tips for Buying California Lilacs
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Seek out varieties suitable for your USDA hardiness zone. Most do best in zones 7-10.
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Select placement with full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid overly windy, exposed sites.
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Give new transplants regular water until established. Then water only during droughts.
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Add organic compost to planting sites in nutrient-poor native soils.
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Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year’s flower buds.
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Be patient for the best floral display. Most take 2-3 years to reach maturity and full bloom.
With their ease of care and three season interest, California lilac trees make excellent additions to western gardens. Follow these tips to track down the perfect Ceanothus species or cultivars for your space. Soon you’ll be enjoying the vibrant flower show as these beauties attract pollinators and admiring glances.
Ceanothus griseus horizontalis ‘Diamond Heights’
Pale blue flowers & round shiny gold & green leaves make Diamond Heights a really nice addition to containers and border plantings. Grows 12″ tall x 5-6 wide, Hardy 20f.
Ceanothus gloriosus: Point Reyes Mountain Lilac
Bright blue flowers against tiny dark green holly leaves. Grows 2 tall x 8-10 wide and is a tough drought tolerant ground cover. Hardy 15f.
CALIFORNIA LILAC | Ceanothus ‘Concha’
FAQ
Where is the best place to plant a California lilac tree?
There are 12 species of Ceanothus native to the Pacific Northwest. These plants prefer dry soil in full sun to achieve the best blooms. Deer are especially fond of California lilac, so protection is required if you live in an area with these browsing animals.
What is the difference between California lilac and regular lilac?
Perhaps the biggest difference, is that the California Lilac is an evergreen. Learn more about the California Lilac. There also is a large variety of Asian Lilacs. Lilac (Syringa) lovers enjoy a wide range of colors, sizes, and types of blooms.
Are California lilacs fast growing?
Ceanothus are sun loving and drought tolerant. Most have evergreen foliage, though some are deciduous, which is useful in colder areas as deciduous plants are less susceptible to cold damage than evergreens. These handsome shrubs are fast-growing and establish quickly, although they tend not to be long lived.
How big do Californian lilac trees get?
With the right care, it can grow into a small tree up to 3 meters tall, or it can be trained to climb things. We offer both single stem and multi stem versions of this Californian Lilac, but they can also be grown as a climbing shrub by training them against a wall if you wish.