Ceanothus 'Victoria', Victoria ceanothus
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Ceanothus 'Victoria'

Victoria ceanothus

Rhamnaceae

Hybrid cultivar; parent species from coastal California

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 m)
Width6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancelow

Overview

A rounded to broadly upright evergreen shrub reaching 5–7 feet (1.5–2.1 m) tall and 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) wide at maturity. Leaves are small, 0.5–1 inch (1.2–2.5 cm) long, broadly ovate with three prominent veins from the base, a glossy dark green upper surface, and finely toothed margins. The quilted or impressed venation is a reliable identification feature. Dense cylindrical to rounded flower clusters 0.75–1.5 inches (2–4 cm) long appear in April through May; flowers are deep cobalt-blue, among the most intensely colored of the commonly grown Ceanothus cultivars. Older stems develop reddish-brown bark. Like most hybrid Ceanothus cultivars, 'Victoria' is moderately short-lived, typically performing well for 10–20 years before declining. Established plants are highly drought tolerant and resent summer irrigation; excess moisture is the primary cause of failure. Not reliably regenerated by hard pruning.

Native Range

Ceanothus 'Victoria' is a hybrid cultivar of garden origin, likely selected from Ceanothus thyrsiflorus × C. griseus parentage. The parent species are native to the coastal ranges and foothills of California, growing on dry slopes and chaparral from sea level to approximately 2,000 feet (600 m). The cultivar has no natural range.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen or informal screen at 6–8 foot (1.8–2.4 m) spacing on dry slopes, hillsides, and sunny borders. Effective against walls and fences where the root zone stays dry in summer. Not suitable for irrigated mixed borders or clay soils. The cobalt-blue spring flowers provide strong seasonal color and are a significant source of early-season nectar for native bees.

How to Identify

Identified by the combination of small glossy dark green leaves with conspicuously impressed three-vein venation giving a quilted texture, and deep cobalt-blue flower clusters in spring. Leaves are broadly ovate, 0.5–1 inch (1.2–2.5 cm) long, with finely toothed margins. Older stems are reddish-brown. The flower color is notably deep and saturated compared to paler-flowered Ceanothus cultivars. Habit is rounded to broadly upright, 5–7 feet (1.5–2.1 m) tall.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height5' - 7'
Width/Spread6' - 8'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Spring
Flowers April through May, with peak bloom lasting 3–4 weeks. Flower clusters are dense and cover the outer canopy when the plant is in full bloom. In warm years or protected sites, bloom may begin in late March. No reliable repeat bloom occurs. Bloom intensity tends to decrease on plants over 15 years old or grown in partial shade.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

deep cobalt-blue

Foliage Description

glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial 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
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water during the first growing season to establish; once established, reduce irrigation to once monthly at most in summer — excess summer moisture is the primary cause of decline and root rot. Do not plant in heavy clay soils or low-lying areas where water collects. Avoid cultivation near the root zone once established, as root disturbance promotes decline. No fertilization needed; rich soils shorten plant life. Phytophthora root rot is the most common problem, typically triggered by summer irrigation or poorly drained soils. Plants decline after 10–20 years and do not regenerate reliably from hard pruning.

Pruning

Prune lightly immediately after flowering in late May to remove dead wood and shape the plant; do not cut into leafless old stems. Remove crossing branches or dead sections as they appear. No renovation pruning — once major portions have died back, replacement is more effective than cutting back. Light tipping of new growth in the first 2–3 years helps build a fuller structure.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic