Plant Highlights

Ceanothus 'Frosty Blue' is an evergreen mountain lilac that reaches to 6'-8' tall and up to 8' wide. Fast growing it can mature in 18 months, and can be trained into a small tree or even espaliered. Flowers appear in early spring, medium blue with a frosted appearance hence the name. Frosty Blue is one of the most adaptable of the ceanothus. It tolerates most soil types including heavy clay and sandy soil and likes both sun or light shade. Heat, drought and frost tolerant to 0 degrees F. The primary requirements for garden success is a well-drained soil and a light watering hand. If in clay then make sure it does not get waterlogged. Once established, Frosty Blue will survive on rainfall alone in coastal gardens where it's tolerant of both wind and salt spray. this is an easy hedge plant, small screen, or focal plant in a drought tolerant garden. Like all ceanothus, Frosty Blue is a valuable nectar source for many butterflies, bees and other insects.

Frosty Blue was selected in 1965 by Percy Everett, Superintendent of the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont, California. It was named by John Dourley in 1970 and introduced into the nursery trade in 1974.