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Ceanothus 'Victoria', Victoria ceanothus
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Ceanothus 'Victoria'

Victoria ceanothus

Rhamnaceae
Hybrid cultivar of garden origin — parent species from coastal California

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

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought Tolerant
Maintenancelow

Overview

Ceanothus 'Victoria' is Victoria California lilac (Victoria ceanothus), an upright evergreen shrub growing 5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 m) tall and 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) wide. Deep cobalt-blue flowers in dense terminal panicles 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in April-May (4 weeks). Small glossy dark green ovate leaves 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) with 3 veins from the base. In Rhamnaceae. A hybrid cultivar of uncertain parentage — likely derived from C. thyrsiflorus or related coastal California species. Nitrogen-fixing (actinorhizal symbiosis with Frankia bacteria). Short-lived — typically 10-15 years before decline. This limited lifespan is the primary limitation. Do not irrigate in summer once established — summer water promotes fatal root rot (Phytophthora). Sharp drainage required — root rot in clay or poorly drained sites. Do not prune into old bare wood (does not regenerate). Hardy to about 10°F (-12°C). Drought-tolerant once established. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 7-10. Full sun. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Hybrid cultivar of garden origin — parent species from coastal California.

Suggested Uses

Grown as an evergreen screen, hedge, or specimen in Mediterranean-climate gardens, spaced 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m). Summer-dry. Sharp drainage. Nitrogen-fixing. Short-lived. Non-toxic. Zones 7-10.

How to Identify

Identified by dense panicles of deep cobalt-blue flowers on a glossy dark green evergreen shrub with small ovate 3-veined leaves. The 3-veined leaves and the blue flower panicles are diagnostic for Ceanothus. In Rhamnaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

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

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Spring
Mid to late spring (April-May). Deep cobalt-blue flowers in dense terminal panicles 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). 4 weeks. Bee- and butterfly-visited.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep cobalt-blue, tiny individual flowers in dense terminal panicles 2-4 inches (5-10 cm); the massed panicles create a solid blue canopy during peak bloom

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green, small, ovate, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm), with 3 prominent veins from the base; 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
loamsand
Drainagewell 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

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

Pruning

Prune lightly after flowering (May) to shape. Do not cut into old leafless wood — Ceanothus does not regenerate from bare wood. Remove dead or crossing branches only.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic