Ceanothus 'Tuxedo'®

Description and Characteristics

Ceanothus 'Tuxedo' is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its unusual dark purple-black foliage and contrasting pale lilac to white flowers. A modern hybrid (Ceanothus × pallidus), ‘Tuxedo’ brings a dramatic and contemporary look to gardens with its bold foliage colour and upright habit. It is one of the few Ceanothus cultivars that combines dark leaves with a repeat flowering habit.

In late spring and again in late summer, this cultivar produces clusters of pale lilac to white flowers, which create a vivid contrast against the near-black leaves. The leaves are narrow, toothed, and glossy, forming a dense backdrop even when the plant is not in bloom.

Reaching around 1.5–2 m tall and 1–1.5 m wide, Ceanothus 'Tuxedo' has a bushy, upright form that suits both formal and informal borders. It is excellent for structural planting, modern gardens, and coastal or Mediterranean-style landscapes. As an evergreen shrub, it offers year-round interest, and its dark foliage makes a strong foil for lighter-coloured perennials and shrubs.

• Evergreen shrub with deep purple-black foliage year-round

• Produces white to pale lilac flower clusters in spring and again in late summer

• Height: 1.5–2 m; Spread: 1–1.5 m

• Naturally upright and bushy—ideal for structure and contrast

• Excellent in modern planting schemes, wildlife gardens, and coastal settings

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Ceanothus 'Tuxedo' is low-maintenance, fast-growing, and thrives in sunny, sheltered locations. It is more tolerant of pruning and repeat blooming than many other Ceanothus cultivars, making it suitable for clipped shapes or mixed shrub borders.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun to maintain dark foliage colour and promote flowering

  • Will tolerate light shade, though growth may become more open

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged conditions

  • Tolerant of chalky, sandy, or loamy soils

  • Ideal pH: neutral to slightly alkaline

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during establishment (first season)

  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant

  • Avoid excessive watering—roots dislike soggy soil

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser

  • Avoid overfeeding, which can lead to soft, weak growth

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage branching

  • Avoid hard pruning into old wood (as with most Ceanothus)

  • Remove dead or frost-damaged growth in early spring

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 7–9 (RHS H4)

  • Evergreen in most UK and Irish regions

  • In colder or exposed gardens, plant in a sheltered spot near a wall or fence

  • Mulch the base to protect roots from extreme cold

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Ceanothus 'Tuxedo' is perfect for gardeners seeking bold foliage, subtle floral displays, and pollinator value. Its deep colouring offers drama and contrast, making it a versatile choice for many garden styles.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for modern borders, structural planting, or informal hedges

  • Works well as a backdrop for lighter perennials or grasses

  • Suitable for coastal gardens, urban spaces, and contemporary designs

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with silver or chartreuse foliage like Artemisia, Choisya ‘Sundance’, or Carex

  • Combines well with pale pinks, whites, and purples such as Salvia, Erysimum, or Verbena bonariensis

  • Complements grasses and architectural plants like Phormium or Lavandula

• Container Use:

  • Can be grown in a large container with good drainage

  • Use peat-free compost mixed with horticultural grit

  • Water regularly in summer and prune lightly to keep bushy

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

  • Useful for wildlife-friendly gardens that value form and function

  • Flowering in two flushes increases nectar availability across the season

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • May be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils

  • Ensure good air circulation and well-spaced planting

• 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.

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.