Ceanothus impr. 'Victoria'

Description and Characteristics

Ceanothus impressus ‘Victoria’, also known as California Lilac ‘Victoria’, is a popular, evergreen shrub admired for its profuse cobalt-blue flowers, neat growth habit, and glossy, dark green foliage. Native to California, this cultivar is one of the hardiest and most widely grown Ceanothus varieties in the UK and Ireland.

‘Victoria’ typically blooms in late spring to early summer, producing dense clusters of small, vivid blue flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The glossy leaves are small, crinkled, and evergreen, giving the shrub excellent year-round structure and colour.

This variety is broadly spreading and compact, reaching a height of 1.5 to 2 metres and a spread of 2.5 to 3 metres. Its relatively low profile and dense foliage make it ideal for informal hedges, sunny borders, or coastal planting schemes, where it serves as an eye-catching, drought-tolerant focal point.

• Evergreen shrub with crinkled dark green leaves

• Masses of intense blue flowers in May and June

• Height: 1.5–2 m; Spread: 2.5–3 m

• Broad, rounded habit – ideal for hedging or informal screening

• Excellent for pollinators and coastal gardens

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Ceanothus ‘Victoria’ is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and grows best in sunny, well-drained positions. It prefers not to be hard-pruned and thrives with minimal intervention once established.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for best flowering and compact growth

  • Will tolerate light shade, but may flower less freely

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers light, well-drained soil

  • Tolerates chalk, sand, or loam, and performs well in poor soils

  • Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged ground—improve drainage with grit if necessary

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the first year to establish roots

  • Once established, very drought-tolerant

  • Do not overwater—Ceanothus dislikes soggy soil

• Feeding:

  • Does not require heavy feeding

  • Apply a light mulch in spring to conserve moisture and add nutrients

  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers which may promote excess foliage over flowers

• Pruning:

  • Prune lightly after flowering, removing dead or straggly shoots

  • Do not prune hard into old wood—Ceanothus does not regenerate well from bare stems

  • Maintain natural shape and size with gentle trimming

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 7–9 (RHS H4–H5)

  • Generally tolerant of frost in sheltered gardens

  • In colder or exposed areas, provide shelter from cold winds

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Wildlife Benefits

Ceanothus ‘Victoria’ is a top choice for coastal gardens, Mediterranean-style landscapes, and sunny mixed borders. Its floral display, evergreen foliage, and low water needs make it a valuable all-rounder.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for sunny shrub borders, mixed beds, hedges, and foundation planting

  • Works beautifully in coastal gardens and dry, gravel-based planting schemes

  • Can be trained against a south- or west-facing wall for added shelter and vertical interest

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Lavandula, Cistus, Salvia, Santolina, and Erysimum

  • Complements ornamental grasses and drought-tolerant perennials like Erigeron and Nepeta

  • Blends beautifully with other Mediterranean plants such as Artemisia and Rosmarinus

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Rich in nectar and highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Excellent choice for wildlife-friendly and pollinator-focused gardens

  • Flowering period coincides with peak pollinator activity in spring

• Hedging and Screening Use:

  • Forms a dense, informal hedge or screen with light pruning

  • Good choice for sheltering smaller plants from wind and sun

  • Fast-growing once established and non-invasive

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest-free and disease-resistant

  • May suffer root rot in wet or poorly drained soil

  • Avoid winter wet and provide shelter from strong winds to prevent windburn

• Size
  5 Ltr pot

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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