California Lilac Julia Phelps

A lovely, richly-coloured California lilac for very mild gardens, Ceanothus Julia Phelps is a medium-sized, evergreen shrub with a rounded habit. The deep green leaves are small, oblong to ovate, and finely toothed. In May and June, the shrub bears reddish-purple buds which open into dense, rounded clusters of deep violet flowers. California lilac Julia Phelps is drought tolerant once established indeed, it is best kept dry in summer and it needs a warm, sheltered, frost-free position.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Light, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Late spring and early summer in particular
Hardiness: Borderline hardy
Height: 6.6 (2m) Spread: 8 (2.5m)