Ceanothus arboreus aka Feltleaf Ceanothus
Taxonomy
Ceanothus arboreus, also known as the feltleaf ceanothus, island ceanothus, or island mountain lilac, is a species of perennial shrub to small tree in the Rhamnaceae family. Endemic to the Channel Islands of California and Guadalupe Island in Mexico, it was recently rediscovered on Guadalupe Island after the eradication of feral goats. This large and vigorous evergreen shrub can reach heights of up to 6m. It features glossy, dark green foliage with leathery or felt-like undersides and produces panicles of slightly fragrant, deep blue flowers that can grow up to 12cm in length. With its showy and abundant blooms, Ceanothus arboreus is often planted as a fast-growing ornamental, and various varieties and cultivars offer a range of bright and powder blue flower colors.
Common names
Feltleaf Ceanothus, Catalina Mountain Lilac, Felt Leaf CeanothusHow to care for Feltleaf Ceanothus
Difficulty
Feltleaf Ceanothus presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Feltleaf Ceanothus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Feltleaf Ceanothus loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Feltleaf Ceanothus prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
Once the Feltleaf Ceanothus has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Feltleaf Ceanothus’s native range is South-western N. America - California.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Ceanothus Genus
Ceanothus oliganthus Hairy Ceanothus
Ceanothus divergens Calistoga Ceanothus
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Blueblossom
Ceanothus tomentosus Woolyleaf Ceanothus
Ceanothus prostratus Mahala Mat
Ceanothus impressus Santa Barbara Ceanothus
Ceanothus crassifolius Hoary Leaf Ceanothus
Ceanothus maritimus Maritime Ceanothus
Ceanothus leucodermis Chaparral Whitethorn
