Ceanothus julia phelps is an evergreen shrub that can reach up to 16 feet in height. It is native to California and is drought tolerant. The leaves are green and the flowers are white.
Related plant:
Ceanothus Arboreus
Related plant:
Ceanothus Burkwoodii
About soil condition, the best place for this ceanothus is a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It's not too particular about soil type, as long as it's not waterlogged. A native of California, it's also drought-tolerant once established.
Like the other members of the Ceonothus genus, the Julia Phelps sunflower requires full sun to partial sun for optimal growth. This perennial sunflower grows best in well-drained soil with regular watering. Deadhead spent flowers to keep plant tidy and encourage reblooming.
The temperature conditions for the growth of Ceanothus Julia Phelps are relatively warm. The minimum temperature for growth is around 18 degrees Celsius, and the maximum temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius. There is a higher temperature optimum for growth of around 24 degrees Celsius. However, the plant can also tolerate somewhat cooler or hotter temperatures within this range.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off. The flowers will also start to wilt and the plant will become overall stressed.
Mentioning fertilizer, this plant is not a heavy feeder. A slow-release fertilizer applied in spring is all that is needed for the entire growing season. Julia Phelps does not like to have her roots disturbed, so it is best to leave her undisturbed in her pot or in the ground. When transplanting, be sure not to damage her roots.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your Ceanothus Julia Phelps looking its best. This plant responds well to pruning and can be cut back quite hard if needed. When pruning, always cut back to a healthy bud or branch. This will help encourage new growth and keep your plant looking neat and tidy.
Propagation of Ceanothus julia phelps is best done through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and should be taken from new growth. Cuttings should be placed in a well-drained, sandy soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be placed in a shady location and protected from direct sun and wind. Once new growth appears, cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer, with a lull in growth during the fall and winter. However, some varieties may have a second growth spur in late summer. When given the proper care, ceanothus julia phelps can grow quite rapidly, reaching a height of 6 to 10 feet within two to three years. Julia Phelps is an exception, however, and may only grow to a height of 3 to 5 feet.
Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves can start toyellow and drop off, the plant can get leggy and too tall, and the flowers can be sparse.To fix these problems, make sure to fertilize regularly, prune back any leggy ortall growth, and deadhead the flowers to encourage more to bloom.
Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Ceanothus—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
Ceanothus 'Dark Star' | Landscape Plants - Oregon State University
Ceanothus americanus | Tennessee Smart Yards
