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Ceanothus gloriosus, Point Reyes ceanothus
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Ceanothus gloriosus

Point Reyes ceanothus

Rhamnaceae
Coastal Marin County, California — Point Reyes National Seashore and nearby headlands; coastal bluffs, sandy flats, and open pine forests exposed to Pacific fog and wind

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At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height6-18 inches (15-45 cm)
Width4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10
Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought Tolerant
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

Ceanothus gloriosus is Point Reyes ceanothus (Point Reyes creeper), a prostrate spreading evergreen shrub growing 6-18 inches (15-45 cm) tall and 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) wide. Blue to violet-blue flowers in dense rounded clusters 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) at branch tips in March-April (4 weeks). Small glossy dark green leathery leaves 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) with spiny-toothed holly-like margins. In Rhamnaceae. Gloriosus = glorious. Endemic to coastal Marin County, California — Point Reyes National Seashore. One of the lowest-growing Ceanothus species — a prostrate ground-cover form. Nitrogen-fixing (actinorhizal with Frankia). Short-lived (8-15 years) — this limited lifespan is the primary limitation. Do not irrigate in summer once established — summer water promotes fatal root rot (Phytophthora). Sharp drainage required. Do not prune into old bare wood. The spiny-toothed holly-like margins distinguish C. gloriosus from smooth-leaved species. Hardy to about 15°F (-9°C). Drought-tolerant. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 7-10. Full sun. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Endemic to coastal Marin County, California — Point Reyes National Seashore and nearby headlands. Found on coastal bluffs, sandy flats, and open pine forests exposed to Pacific fog and wind.

Suggested Uses

Grown as an evergreen ground cover on slopes, coastal bluffs, and in Mediterranean-climate gardens, spaced 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m). Prostrate. Summer-dry. Sharp drainage. Native to Point Reyes. Non-toxic. Zones 7-10.

How to Identify

Identified by a prostrate evergreen ground-cover habit with dense blue flower clusters and small glossy dark green leaves with spiny-toothed (holly-like) margins. The prostrate habit and the holly-like leaf margins distinguish C. gloriosus from upright and smooth-leaved Ceanothus species. In Rhamnaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 1'6"
Width/Spread4' - 8'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue
violet

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Spring
Early to mid spring (March-April). Blue to violet-blue flowers in dense rounded clusters 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm). 4 weeks. Bee- and butterfly-visited.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Blue to violet-blue, tiny individual flowers in dense rounded clusters 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) at branch tips

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green, small, rounded to oval, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm), leathery, with spiny-toothed margins (holly-like); evergreen year-round

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial Shade
Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandrocky
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6-8 hours). Well-drained sandy or rocky soil pH 6.0-8.0. Do not irrigate in summer once established — root rot. Sharp drainage required. Do not prune into old bare wood. Short-lived (8-15 years). Nitrogen-fixing. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 7-10.

Pruning

Prune lightly after flowering (April-May) to shape. Do not cut into old bare wood — does not regenerate. Remove dead branches only.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic