Ceanothus, which is commonly known as California lilac, deliver large clouds of blue flowers at this time of year. Their powerful honey scent is another asset — a single plant can fill a small garden with fragrance and attract bees.
Most varieties flower in spring and early summer. They enjoy the protection and warmth of a sunny wall, which also gives them something to lean against and for you to train them on to. However, because they’re fast growing many of them outgrow their wall or fence space, becoming more of a small tree than a shrub. For this reason, they are often grown for quick impact.
They are relatively short-lived, lasting about ten years. You may see this as a negative, but it’s about
