Water Wise Plants

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Maritime ceanothus

Shrub

1'-3' high x 3'-8' wide

Low: water every three weeks until the root ball is wet

Full sun

Ceanothus maritimus ‘Valley Violet’ is a California native and a UC Davis Arboretum All-Star. This low growing Ceanothus has a wide spread and can be an effective ground cover. It has dark, blue-green foliage that contrasts nicely with its purple flowers, which bloom from winter into spring. Be aware that all Ceanothus develop buckthorns as they age that can be very sharp.

PADG notes: Several varieties of Ceanothus were planted several years ago in the Native Bed at the Palo Alto Demonstration Garden. As of 2022, Ceanothus maritimus ‘Valley Violet’ is doing the best in the group. It is very drought tolerant and is living up to its All-Star status with the garden’s dry season irrigation cycle. Established plants are watered once every three weeks with drip lines.