Ceanothus maritimus 'Valley Violet'
Santa Barbara Lilac
Description
Valley Violet ceanothus is a spectacular UC Davis Arboretum All-Star selection that was introduced in 2010. Davis All-Stars are all tough, reliable plants that have all been tested in the Arboretum, are easy to grow, have few problems with pests or diseases, and have outstanding qualities in the garden. Valley Violet is one of the best small ceanothus for both costal and inland locations. It forms an attractive mound 2-3’ tall and wide that needs little to no pruning after flowering. This plant is covered with dark green leaves and in spring it is cloaked in clusters of dark-violet flowers. Valley Violet can tolerate full sun or partial shade, heat or cold and is resistant to deer. It attracts many pollinators and beneficial insects and makes a great substitution for non-native lavenders.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
Blue, Violet
Flower Season
Spring
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish
Accenting Features
Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Spring
Location Uses
Background, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Roadside, Walls / Fences
Special Uses
Filler, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Water Saving Tip:
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.