Ceanothus arboreus
TAXONOMY
FamilyRhamnaceae
GenusCeanothus
Zone9
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Ceanothus arboreus, commonly known as Feltleaf Ceanothus or Island Ceanothus, is a species of flowering shrub or small tree in the family Rhamnaceae. Native to the Channel Islands of California, it thrives in subtropical climates. This plant is known for its glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of small, blue flowers. It has a dormancy period during the dry summer months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
California Lilac
Ceanothus arboreus var. glaber
Ceanothus sorediatus
Ceanothus velutinus var. arboreus
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy2 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Ceanothus arboreus requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate some drought once established. Regular watering is necessary during the growing season, but the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. This plant thrives in moderate humidity levels.Soil
Ceanothus arboreus prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but performs best in soil that is not too rich in nutrients. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Fertilize Ceanothus arboreus with a balanced fertilizer, such as 5-10-10, during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer sparingly, as this plant does not require heavy feeding. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.Repotting
Repot Ceanothus arboreus when it outgrows its container or every 2-3 years. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, gently loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Ceanothus arboreus can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, sow seeds in a well-draining soil mix in the spring. For cuttings, take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, dip them in rooting hormone, and plant them in a well-draining soil mix.Pruning
Prune Ceanothus arboreus in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce flowering.Toxicity
Ceanothus arboreus is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always advisable to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to prevent any accidental ingestion.Additional
Ceanothus arboreus is a valuable plant for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is also drought-tolerant once established, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens. Regular mulching can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
