Ceanothus blue mound is a plant that is native to the western United States. It is a member of the buckthorn family and is related to the coffee plant. The plant is a shrub that can grow to be six feet tall and wide. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the flowers are a deep blue color. The plant blooms in the spring and summer.
Popular name
- Ceanothus crassifolius
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
- Ceanothus cuneatus
- Ceanothus tomentosus
- Ceanothus prostratus
Common Knowledge
- Ceanothus blue mound is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America.
- It grows to a height of 6-10 feet and has a spread of 4-8 feet.
- The leaves are dark green in color and are ovate in shape with toothed margins.
- The flowers are blue in color and are borne in clusters.
- Flowering takes place from late spring to early summer.
- The fruit is a small, dry capsule.
- The shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- It is tolerant of drought and cold.
- It is an attractive plant for use in hedges, screens, and foundation plantings.
- It is susceptibile to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
Related plant:
Ceanothus Arboreus
Planting Process
- For ceanothus blue mound, first step is to find the perfect location. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, so pick a spot in your yard that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.
- Once you have selected the location, it is time to prepare the soil. The plant does not like very alkaline or very clay soils, so amend the soil accordingly. You can also improve drainage by adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss.
- Once the soil is prepared, it is time to plant your ceanothus blue mound. The best time to plant is in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the roots ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Firm the soil around the plant to remove any air pockets.
- Water the plant immediately after planting.
- For the first few weeks after planting, water the plant daily. Once the plant is established, water once or twice per week, depending on the weather.
- Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
- The plant does not require much maintenance, but it will benefit from an occasional deep watering.
- The plant is deer resistant, but it can be affected by aphids and other pests. Treat with an insecticide if necessary.
Related plant:
Ceanothus Trewithen Blue
Soil Requirement
About soil condition, blue mound ceanothus prefers well-drained soil, but can tolerate some clay. It is drought tolerant, but looks best with occasional watering. It is also tolerant of wind and maritime exposure.
About light
Just like other Ceanothus shrubs, Blue Mound thrives in full sun to partial shade the more sun, the more flowers it produces. Its a tough, drought tolerant shrub once established, and is relatively pest and disease free.
The Temperature
The temperature conditions for growing blue mound ceanothus are best in areas with cool summers and mild winters. This plant does not tolerate extreme heat or cold and will not do well in areas where the temperature fluctuates greatly. The ideal temperature range for blue mound ceanothus is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal Humidity
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity level is too high, the plant will start to wilt and the leaves will turn yellow. If the humidity level is too low, the plant will become drought-stressed and the leaves will start to drop off.
The Fertilizer
Discussing fertilizer, usually the plant food we provide to our plants, is important when talking about the care of any plant. This is no different for the blue mound ceanothus. When providing fertilizer to a blue mound ceanothus, we must be aware of the type of fertilizer and the amount we are giving the plant. An over-abundance of fertilizer can cause your plant to become sick or even die. The roots of the blue mound ceanothus are very important to the health of the plant. If the roots are not healthy, the plant will not be healthy.
About light
Pruning is an important part of maintaining your Ceanothus Blue Mound. Pruning not only helps to keep the plant healthy, but also helps to control its size and shape. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. You can prune your plant in early spring or late fall.
The Propagation
Propagation is usually from seed, which germinates readily. Stem cuttings can also be taken from young plants in late spring or early summer. Blue Mound Ceonothus does not like to be transplanted, so it is best to start seedlings or take cuttings in the area where the plant is to be grown.
Growth Speed
Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively fast, with some species growing up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in a single season. This makes the blue mound an excellent choice for gardeners who want to add color and interest to their yard quickly. The plant does best in full sun and well-drained soils, and is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
The Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are pests and diseases. Pests include aphids, whiteflies, and mites. Diseases include powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the plant healthy and well-watered.
List to Know
- Make sure to choose a planting location that has well-drained soil and full sun exposure.
- Prepare the planting area by removing any weeds or other vegetation.
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches to help the roots of the plant to establish evenly.
- Dig a hole that is twice the width of the plant's root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
- Water the plant deeply immediately after planting.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
- Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced granular fertilizer.
- Water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during periods of drought.
Similar Plants
- Ceanothus diversifolius, known by the common names mountain sweet spurge, mountain ceanothus, or red root, is a species of ceanothus native to western North America from British Columbia to California where it is found in many different habitat types.
- The plant was described in 1836 by Constantine Samuel Rafinesque from material collected with others from the Bluegrass region of Kentucky.
- The specific epithet diversifolius is from the Latin diversus meaning 'various' and folium meaning 'leaf', hence 'with various leaves'.
- Ceanothus diversifolius is a shrub growing to 25 m (716 ft) tall and wide.
- The leaves are evergreen, alternate, and oblong to oval in shape, 38 cm (21 in) long and 53 cm (0.
Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: CeanothusUC IPM - ucanr.edu
Plant Data Sheet - University of Washington
Species Descriptions - Burke Herbarium Image Collection
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
