California Lilacs, or Ceanothus, are some of our most fragrant and colorful shrubs here in California. They are also evergreen and very drought tolerant. They make excellent hedges!
The myth of Ceanothus being short lived is primarily spread by incompetent gardeners that insist on drip irrigation, summer water and soil amendments. California native plants hate all three. Expect a 20-25 year life from your Ceanothus in most gardens.
Ceanothus are notorious for being loved by deer. However, this is not entirely true. Without water or fertilizer a Ceanothus looks much less appetizing to a deer. Some species are still viewed as candy in areas where deer populations are high. But many are OK in low or medium deer areas. If you have high deer problems stick with your local Ceanothus species and whatever you do, don't water after the first season.
Hollyleaf Ceanothus has blue flowers and holly leaves. It grows 3 to 6 ft tall and will grow in clay or serpentine. Deer don't like it much.
Pine Hill Ceanothus grows only a few inches tall. It has fat little leaves tightly packed together and white flowers. We grew it for years but it finally succumbed to our wonderful climate.
To learn more about Ceanothus flowering time check out our table of the flowering times for Ceanothus.
Woolly Leaf Mountain Lilac grows 3 to 6 ft tall. It likes clay soil. It grows well in full sun along the coast and part shade inland. It is very drought tolerant.