How to Grow Ceanothus Blue Jeans - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Ceanothus blue jeans is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that is native to California. It is a member of the buckthorn family and is closely related to the coffeeberry plant. The blue jeans plant gets its name from its blue-green leaves, which are reminiscent of a pair of blue jeans. This plant is a great addition to any garden, as it is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance.

How to Grow Ceanothus Blue Jeans - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Ceanothus 'Blue Jeans'
  • 'Blue Jeans' Ceanothus
  • California Lilac
  • Mountain Lilac

Basic info

  • Ceanothus blue jeans is a shrub that grows in the western United States.
  • It is named for its blue flowers that bloom in spring.
  • The leaves of the plant are evergreen and blue-green in color.
  • The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
  • It is drought tolerant and does not require much water once established.
  • It can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
  • It is attractive to bees and butterflies.
  • Deer and rabbits do not generally eat this plant.
  • It can reach a height of 8 feet.
  • It is hardy in USDA zones 5-

Related plant:
Ceanothus Arboreus

How to Grow

  1. For ceanothus blue jeans, first step is to choose a location that has good drainage and full sun.
  2. The second step is to prepare the soil by adding organic matter and amendments as needed.
  3. The third step is to plant the ceanothus blue jeans in the prepared location.
  4. The fourth step is to water the ceanothus blue jeans regularly, as needed, to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  5. The fifth step is to fertilize the ceanothus blue jeans every few weeks during the growing season.
  6. The sixth step is to prune the ceanothus blue jeans as needed to control its size and shape.
  7. The seventh step is to monitor the ceanothus blue jeans for pests and diseases and take action as needed.
  8. The eighth step is to enjoy the ceanothus blue jeans in your garden!
  9. The ninth step is to harvest the ceanothus blue jeans as needed.
  10. The tenth and final step is to winterize the ceanothus blue jeans by covering it with a layer of mulch.

Related plant:
Ceanothus Shrub

The Soil

About soil condition, blue jeans ceanothus requires well-drained soil and cannot tolerate standing water. It is best to plant in a location that has good air circulation to avoid fungal diseases. This plant is also tolerant of drought and can survive in poor soils as long as they are well-drained.

About light

Not too different with other blueberry plants, the blueberry bush requires full sun in order to produce the most fruit. The sun helps the plant to produce more flowers, which in turn leads to more berries. If you live in an area with limited sun exposure, you can still grow a blueberry bush, but it is important to choose a variety that is known to be more tolerant of shade.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the ocean is very important to the health of the ecosystem. The ocean is a very large body of water and it is very difficult to change the temperature of the entire ocean. The ocean's temperature is very important to the health of the ecosystem because it affects the amount of oxygen in the water, the amount of food available, and the reproduction cycle of the animals.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. It can tolerate low humidity (40%) but will not thrive. If the humidity gets too high (60%), the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will become stressed.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a complete fertilizer that has an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. You can apply the fertilizer before planting or during the growing season. For the root, this type of plant does best with a deep, well-drained soil.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your ceanothus blue jeans plant healthy and looking its best. Pruning also helps to control the size and shape of the plant. It is best to prune in early spring, before the plant begins to put on new growth. To prune, simply cut back the stems to the desired height.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of blue jeans ceanothus is most often done through softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken from late spring to early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from new growth. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Water well and place in a warm, sunny spot. Keep the soil moist but not wet and in 6-8 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate quickly, with some species growing up to 3 feet per year. Some slow-growing varieties can take up to 5 years to reach their full height. All varieties of this plant prefer full sun and well-drained soil. This shrub can be used as a specimen plant, hedge, or screen.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, scale, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with a number of methods, including insecticidal soap, neem oil, and horticultural oil. If you see any pests on your plant, be sure to take action immediately to prevent further damage.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your blue jeans. They like a lot of water, so make sure to water them at least once a week.
  • Fertilize your blue jeans regularly. They need nutrients to grow, so be sure to use a good fertilizer.
  • Place your blue jeans in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. They need at least six hours of sunlight each day.
  • Prune your blue jeans regularly. This will help them to grow and stay healthy.
  • Be sure to plant your blue jeans in well-draining soil. They do not like wet or soggy soil.
  • When watering your blue jeans, be sure to water at the base of the plant. Do not water the leaves, as this can cause disease.
  • If you live in an area with a lot of deer, you may want to consider fencing in your blue jeans. Deer love to eat them, and they can quickly

Substitution

  • Ceanothus maritimus
  • Ceanothus olivaceous
  • Ceanothus hirsutus
  • Ceanothus pseudo-nubilus
  • Ceanothus jepsonii
  • Ceanothus intermedius
  • Ceanothus velutinus
  • Ceanothus pauciflorus
  • Ceanothus griseus
  • Ceanothus atropurpureus

Source:
Ceanothus x delileanus - North Carolina State University
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus (Blueblossom, Blue Blossom, Blue Brush, Blue ...
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Ceanothus—UC IPM - ucanr.edu

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category