Ceanothus autumnal blue is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that is perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden. This plant is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. The deep blue flowers of this plant are a stunning contrast to its green leaves, and the plant is known for being drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
Related plant:
Ceanothus Arboreus
Related plant:
Ceanothus Blue Sapphire
About soil condition, Ceanothus autumnal blue is a plant that prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. It is tolerant of some drought, but will do best with regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. This plant is also tolerant of salt and clay soils.
Not too different with other types of ceanothus, the autumnal blue ceanothus thrives in full sun. It's a heat-loving plant, so it's ideal for planting in areas that get a lot of sun. If you live in an area with mild winters, you can plant this shrub in a sunny spot in your yard.
The temperature condition for the growth of ceanothus autumnal blue is that it should be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant grows well in full sun and can tolerate some shade. It prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be waterlogged. Ceanothus autumnal blue is a tough plant that can withstand some drought conditions.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to curl and the plant will become stressed. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.
Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a general-purpose fertilizer that is applied once a month during the growing season. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer, which will last for several months. As for the roots, it is important to keep them moist but not soggy. Be sure to water deeply and then allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your autumnal blue ceanothus healthy and looking its best. Begin pruning in early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back about one-third of the plant's overall height. If the plant is too tall, it can fall over in strong winds. Prune off any dead or damaged branches. Shape the plant by pruning back side branches so they are shorter than the main branches. This will give the plant a more compact, bushy shape.
Propagation is best done through softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, non-flowering shoots and should be around 10-15cm in length. Use a good quality cutting compost and place the cuttings in a propagator or warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged and within a few weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and be ready to pot on.
Usually, the plant growth rate is considered slow to moderate. In the wild, these plants can take up to 10 years to reach full maturity. However, when grown in cultivation, they typically reach full size within 3-5 years. Autumnal blue ceanothus plants do best in full sun to partial shade, and prefer well-drained soils. Although they are tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, they will perform best when given the proper care.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew and root rot. Powdery mildew is a white or gray powdery substance that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. Root rot is caused by too much moisture around the roots of the plant. This can cause the roots to rot and the plant to die.
Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Ceanothus—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
concha ceanothus | UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden
Drought-tolerant Ceanothus makes a beautiful addition to the Â…
