How to Grow Ceanothus Burkwoodii - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Ceanothus burkwoodii is a plant that is native to North America. It is a member of the buckthorn family and is related to the common oaks. The plant is a small shrub that typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet. The leaves of the plant are dark green and glossy, and the flowers are small and white. The fruit of the plant is a small, blackberry-like drupe.

How to Grow Ceanothus Burkwoodii - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Burkwood's ceanothus
  • Burkwood's mountain balm
  • Burkwood's mountain laurel
  • Burkwood's wild lilac
  • Mountain balm

Basic info

  • Ceanothus burkwoodii is a species of evergreen shrub in the family Rhamnaceae.
  • The plant is native to the western United States and Canada.
  • It is found in the wild in open forests, woodlands, and chaparral.
  • The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture.
  • The flowers are small and white, borne in clusters.
  • The fruit is a small, dry capsule.
  • The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require much water once established.
  • It is tolerant of poor soils and can even grow in clay.
  • Ceanothus burkwoodii is an excellent choice for a low-maintenance shrub in the landscape.
  • It can be pruned to maintain a compact size, if desired.

Related plant:
Ceanothus Arboreus

How to Grow

  1. For ceanothus burkwoodii, first step is to take a cutting from a young, healthy plant.
  2. Cut a 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) stem from the plant, making sure to include a few leaves.
  3. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting, leaving only 2-3 leaves at the top.
  4. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone.
  5. Fill a pot with well-draining potting mix, and make a hole in the center big enough to accommodate the cutting.
  6. Gently insert the cutting into the hole, and firm the potting mix around it.
  7. Water the cutting well, and place the pot in a bright, warm location.
  8. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and within a few weeks, the cutting should start to develop roots.
  9. Once the roots are established, you can transplant the ceanothus burkwoodii cutting into a larger pot or into the ground.
  10. Give the plant plenty of sun and water, and it should start to grow and bloom within a few months.

Related plant:
Ceanothus Blue Pacific

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Ceanothus burkwoodii prefers well-drained soil, and will not tolerate wet conditions. It is best to plant this shrub in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. Ceanothus burkwoodii is also drought tolerant once it is established.

About light

Similar to other plants, sun light is important to the growth of Ceanothus Burkwoodii. It is best to place them in an area where they will receive at least six hours of sunlight per day, however, they can also tolerate some shade. The less sun they get, the slower they will grow.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for Ceonothus Burkwoodii is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is not tolerant of extreme heat or cold, so it is important to keep it in an environment that is moderate in temperature. If the temperature gets too high or too low, the plant will start to experience stress and may eventually die.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. They are very drought tolerant and can withstand long periods without water. However, during extended dry periods, the leaves may begin to drop and the plant may go into a state of dormancy.

Fertilizing

Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant does best with either an organic or a slow-release fertilizer. When using an organic fertilizer, you should mix it in with the top layer of soil. For a slow-release fertilizer, you should follow the package directions. As for watering, the soil should be kept moist but not soggy. These plants have a deep root system, so make sure to water deeply.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Ceanothus Burkwoodii looking its best. Pruning helps to control the size and shape of the plant, as well as to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. If you are unsure of how to prune your Ceanothus Burkwoodii, it is best to consult with a professional.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done in spring or summer, by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings. Take cuttings from new growth that has not flowered. Use a sharp knife or garden shears to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moistened, well-drained potting mix. Keep the pot in a warm, sheltered spot out of direct sunlight, and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Rooting should occur within 4-8 weeks. Once the plant is established, it can be transplanted into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and early summer months. However, if the plant is growing in full sun, it can maintain a moderately faster growth rate during the hotter months. If you keep your plant in a pot, make sure to fertilize regularly and water as needed to keep the soil moist (but not soggy). Plants that are grown in the ground generally don't require as much attention.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, aphids, and scale. To prevent powdery mildew, water early in the day so the leaves have time to dry before nightfall. Aphids can be controlled with a strong spray of water or by using an insecticide. Scale can be controlled with an insecticide or by manually removing the scale from the plant.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water regularly, at least once a week.
  • Be sure to fertilize your plant regularly, at least once a month.
  • Prune regularly to encourage new growth and keep your plant looking its best.
  • Place your plant in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
  • Ceanothus burkwoodii plants are known to be tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but they prefer well-drained soil.
  • These plants are generally pest and disease free, but be on the lookout for aphids and scale insects.
  • You can propagate ceanothus burkwoodii plants from seed or cuttings.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to provide some protection for your plant during the winter months.
  • Ceanothus burkwoodii plants are typically slow growers, so be patient while waiting

Related Plants

  • Athroismyces sepultus
  • Athroismyces sepultus Smitt, 1874 is a fungal species in the genus Athroismyces. The fungus was originally placed in the monotypic genus Thallispora and was moved by Norwegian mycologist Einar Arnstein Strøm in 1954 to the genus Athroismyces.
  • Centaurium capitatum
  • Centaurium capitatum, commonly known as the redhead centaury or the goosetongue, is a species of herb in the family Gentianaceae. It is native to Europe and it is found in dry grassland and on heathland.
  • Centaurium pulchellum
  • Centaurium pulchellum, commonly known as the small-flowered centaury, is a herbaceous plant in the family Gentianaceae.
  • Centaurium somedanum

Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Ceanothus—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
Plant Details :: Ceanothus - California State University San Marcos
Species Descriptions - Burke Herbarium Image Collection

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