Ceanothus pallidus ‘Marie Simon’ – A Charming Summer-Blooming Shrub

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Ceanothus pallidus ‘Marie Simon’

• Common Name: Californian Lilac ‘Marie Simon’

• Plant Type: Deciduous flowering shrub

• Height & Spread: Typically grows to around 1.5 metres tall and wide, forming a rounded and bushy shape.

• Flowers: Unlike most Ceanothus, which are known for blue blooms, ‘Marie Simon’ offers a unique display of soft pink, fluffy flower clusters that appear from July through September, extending the flowering season well into late summer.

• Foliage: Fresh green leaves with a slightly serrated edge, providing an attractive backdrop even when not in bloom.

• Special Features:

  • More tolerant of pruning than many Ceanothus.

  • Unusual colour for a Ceanothus, making it a stand-out variety.

  • Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• Garden Uses:

  • Works beautifully in mixed borders and cottage gardens.

  • Effective as a stand-alone specimen shrub or grouped with other summer-flowering plants.

  • Combines well with roses, lavenders, and ornamental grasses for a seasonal contrast.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements:

  • Thrives in full sun; flowering is most prolific when planted in a bright, open position.

  • Will tolerate very light shade but with reduced flowering.

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.

  • Tolerates sandy and loamy soils but dislikes heavy clay or waterlogged conditions.

  • Adding compost or organic matter at planting will improve establishment.

• Moisture Needs:

  • Requires moderate watering while young or when newly planted.

  • Once established, it is reasonably drought-tolerant, suiting low-maintenance gardens.

• Best Positioning:

  • Excellent choice for a sunny border or sheltered garden bed.

  • Works well near walls or fences for extra warmth and protection.

  • Position where its long-lasting pink blooms can be appreciated during summer evenings.

Care, Maintenance, and Seasonal Tips

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system.

  • Mature plants need only occasional watering during extended dry periods.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.

  • Mulch with organic matter around the base annually to retain soil moisture and improve fertility.

• Pruning:

  • Unlike many Ceanothus, ‘Marie Simon’ responds well to pruning.

  • Prune lightly in early spring, removing any dead or weak shoots and cutting back to strong buds.

  • Avoid heavy cutting into old wood, but shaping younger stems encourages bushier growth.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally trouble-free, but watch for aphids on young shoots.

  • Ensure good air circulation to reduce risk of powdery mildew.

• Winter Hardiness:

  • Hardy in most UK regions but benefits from a sheltered spot in colder areas.

  • Applying mulch in autumn helps protect roots in severe winters.

• Wildlife Benefits:

  • Flowers are rich in nectar, attracting pollinators such as bees, hoverflies, and butterflies.

  • Contributes to a biodiverse, wildlife-friendly garden.

✨ Ceanothus pallidus ‘Marie Simon’ is a delightful and distinctive variety, offering unusual pink blooms long into summer. Easy to care for, rewarding, and perfect for both traditional and modern gardens, it provides a splash of colour and fragrance at a time when many shrubs are fading.

• Size
  3L 25-30cm

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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