Blue Blossom

You encounter Blueblossom Ceanothus on coastal scrub and open forest edges from Oregon south to California, recognized by its glossy evergreen foliage and abundant clusters of tiny blue to purple flowers. This native shrub thrives on sandy, rocky slopes where summer dry conditions persist.

Blueblossom grows 4-15 feet tall in full sun with low water needs and excellent drought tolerance once established (zones 8a-9a). It prefers well-drained sandy or gravelly soils; waterlogged conditions trigger root rot. Nitrogen-fixing, it suits poor, eroded sites. Evergreen and relatively pest-free compared to deciduous ceanothus species, though leaf spot and root rot can occur. Prune after flowering to maintain shape; avoid heavy pruning of established plants.