Ceanothus thyrsiflorus skylark is a beautiful and fragrant plant that is native to California. It grows in dry, open habitats such as grasslands and chaparral. This low-growing shrub has small, blue-green leaves and clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The Skylark plant is an excellent choice for gardens and landscaping in dry, sunny areas.
Also called
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. thyrsiflorus
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ssp. thyrsiflorus
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ssp. repens
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark'
Good to Know
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark' is a small, evergreen shrub with a dense, rounded habit.
- It is native to California, where it is found in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the flowers are white or pale blue.
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark' is tolerant of drought and poor soils.
- It is an excellent choice for a low-maintenance landscape.
- Deer and rabbits do not generally bother this plant.
- It can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark' is susceptible to infestations of aphids and scale insects.
- It is considered to be an environmentally friendly plant because it is low-maintenance and does not require the use of pesticides or herbicides.
- This plant can be used in mass plantings, as a specimen plant, or in a container.
Related plant:
Ceanothus Arboreus
How to Grow
- For ceanothus thyrsiflorus skylark, first step is to find a location that gets full sun and has well-drained soil.
- Once you have found the perfect spot, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball of your plant.
- Place your plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down as you go.
- Water your plant deeply and thoroughly.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plant, taking care not to pile it too high against the stem.
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus skylark is a fast grower, so you will likely need to fertilize it yearly.
- To keep your plant looking its best, prune it yearly after it blooms.
- This plant is susceptible to aphids and other pests, so be sure to check it regularly and take action if necessary.
- Ceanothus thyrsiflorus skylark is also susceptible to powdery mildew, so be sure to provide good air circulation around the plant.
- If you live in an area with frost, you will need to take measures to protect your plant during the winter months.
Related plant:
Ceanothus Julia Phelps
The Soil
About soil condition,
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Skylark prefers well-draining soils, such as sandy or gravelly loams. It also does well in clay soils that are amended with organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral.
Light requirement
Similar to other members of the genus Ceanothus, Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark' has a high sun light requirement. If you want this plant to thrive, you'll need to provide it with plenty of direct sunlight each day. Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark' is a sun-loving plant, so make sure to give it a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight.
Good Temperature
The temperature conditions in the area where the Skylark grows are very important to its health and growth. The ideal temperature for the Skylark is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too hot or too cold, the Skylark will not do well.
Ideal Humidity
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%-70%. However, it can tolerate low humidity levels down to 40%, as long as the air is not too dry. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off.
The Fertilizer
Regarding fertilizer, this plant does not need a lot of nutrients to survive. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually harm the plant. The best way to provide nutrients is through the roots. This plant has a very strong root system that is able to reach deep into the soil to find the nutrients it needs.
Light requirement
Pruning is an important aspect of caring for a ceanothus thyrsiflorus skylark plant. Regular pruning will help to ensure that the plant remains healthy and continues to produce beautiful blooms. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. It is also a good idea to trim back any branches that are growing too large or out of control.
The Propagation
Propagation is best done by seed, which should be sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seedlings are best transplanted when they are about 6 inches tall. Cuttings can also be taken from young plants in the spring.
Growth Rate
Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing. The plant typically produces the most growth in the first few years after planting, when the roots are establishing themselves. Once the roots are established, the plant's growth rate slows.
Basic Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are stem canker, root rot, and powdery mildew. Stem canker is a serious disease that can kill the plant. Root rot is a problem that can also kill the plant. Powdery mildew is a less serious problem, but it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
List to Know
- If you are growing ceanothus thyrsiflorus skylark from seed, start by stratifying the seeds. This can be done by placing them in a container with moist sand and refrigerating them for 4-6 weeks.
- After stratification, sow the seeds in a well-drained seed starting mix. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and place the container in a bright location.
- Once the seedlings emerge, thin them so that only the strongest plants remain.
- Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle.
- Gradually acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered location for a week or two before planting them in their final location.
- Choose a planting site that receives full sun and has well-drained soil.
- Amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
- Set the
Related Plants
- Ceanothus siliquosus (serpentine ceanothus)
- Ceanothus subpinnatus (turpentine bush)
- Ceanothus spinosus (spiny ceanothus)
- Ceanothus velutinus (velvety ceanothus)
- Ceanothus veitchii (veitch's ceanothus)
- Ceanothus velutinus var. laevigatus (smoothleaf ceanothus)
- Ceanothus velutinus var. velutinus (velvety ceanot
Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: Ceanothus—UC IPM - ucanr.edu
Blue Blossom - Ceanothus thyrsiflorus - PNW Plants
CalPhotos - University of California, Berkeley
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
