Ceanothus thyrsiflorus

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus is a procumbent form of Caifornian Lilac and is more often called Creeping Blueblossom in its native home. It forms low ground-hugging bushes often tumbling down walls or vertical surfaces if they are in the vicinity to create a cascading effect and when it is in flower this is quite dramatic - a wave of blue. It can also form low shrubby balls and is best pruned and trained and given a little direction in life although its other cultivational requirements are minimal, tolerating poor soils and a lack of water as long as it has full sun.

Taxonomically, Ceanothus thyrsiflorus has something of an identity crisis. Its correct name is just Ceanothus thyrsiflorus and yet it is most often sold as Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var repens which is a synonym. Pretty much every nursery and garden centre in the world ignores the correct name and calls it Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var repens, emphasising its creeping habit. It is also sometimes signified as 'Repens' suggesting it is a cultivar. Whatever you decide to name it, it's a great little plant and for those weeks when it is in flower, it's an absolute show-stopper.