Ceanothus 'Tuxedo'®

Key Features:

• Botanical name: Ceanothus 'Tuxedo'®

• Common name: California Lilac 'Tuxedo'

• Foliage: Deep purple to almost black, glossy and evergreen

• Flowers: Pale lilac-blue in spring to early summer

• Height & Spread: 1.5–2 m × 1.5–2 m

• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy, and slightly arching

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Specimen plant, mixed borders, contemporary gardens, hedging, and containers

Ideal Growing Conditions

Ceanothus 'Tuxedo'® is relatively low maintenance once established, but it thrives best when planted in the right environment. Providing suitable growing conditions will result in richer foliage colour and abundant flowers.

Light Requirements:

• Requires a position in full sun for the darkest foliage and best flower display.

• Tolerates very light shade, but foliage may appear less vibrant and flower production may be reduced.

Soil Preferences:

• Prefers well-drained soil – sandy, loamy, or even poor soil types are acceptable.

• Dislikes heavy, waterlogged soils – consider raised beds or improving drainage if necessary.

• Neutral to slightly acidic soil is ideal, though it is adaptable to a range of pH levels.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in spring or autumn when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.

• Space appropriately to allow for mature growth – at least 1.5 metres from neighbouring plants or structures.

• Avoid disturbing the roots once established, as Ceanothus prefers not to be moved.

Care and Maintenance

Ceanothus 'Tuxedo'® is easy to grow, requiring minimal care once rooted in, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens. However, some attention to watering and pruning will help maintain its health and shape.

Watering:

• Water regularly during the first growing season until established.

• Once established, it is drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.

• Avoid overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in wet soil.

Feeding:

• Not a heavy feeder – apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring if desired.

• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce flowering.

Pruning:

• Lightly prune after flowering in late spring to maintain shape and promote bushiness.

• Remove any dead, damaged, or overly woody stems to encourage new growth.

• Do not prune hard into old wood, as it may not resprout from heavily cut back stems.

Pests and Diseases:

• Generally pest-free and not commonly affected by diseases.

• May occasionally attract aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap if needed.

Winter Hardiness:

• Hardy in most UK and Irish climates, down to approximately -10°C.

• In colder areas, provide some shelter from harsh winter winds or consider container planting so it can be moved to a sheltered position.

Landscape Uses and Styling Tips

Ceanothus 'Tuxedo'® is ideal for gardeners seeking a bold, contemporary look or for creating contrast in mixed plantings. Its unique foliage sets it apart from other evergreen shrubs.

Garden Design Ideas:

• Plant as a backdrop to brighter foliage or flowering perennials to create dramatic contrast.

• Makes an attractive focal point when used as a specimen plant.

• Can be trimmed into informal hedging or used as a screen.

Ideal Companion Plants:

• Grasses like Stipa tenuissima or Pennisetum

• Lavenders or Salvias for complementary flower colours

• Silver foliage plants such as Artemisia or Senecio

• Soft pastels like Erysimum or Geranium Rozanne

Quick Care Recap:

• ☀️ Full sun

• ???? Well-drained soil

• ???? Water sparingly once established

• ✂️ Light pruning after flowering

• ❄️ Hardy and evergreen

Ceanothus 'Tuxedo'® offers year-round structure with spring-time charm and dark, moody foliage perfect for modern garden palettes. An excellent choice for stylish yet easy-to-maintain gardens.

• 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)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.