About Ceanothus Ray Hartman (Ray Hartman Wild Lilac)
This evergreen plant is known as Ceanothus Ray Hartman. Native to California, this cultivar gets its name from its creator Ray Hartman who cross-bred Ceanothus arboreus and Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. griseus to create this hybrid plant commonly known as Ray Hartman Wild Lilac. Grown as a tree or a bush, it grows quickly reaching an average mature landscape size of 10-20′ tall by 10-20′ wide filled with large, rounded, dark green leaves. With a blooming season lasting from winter to early spring, tiny blue flowers emerge in clusters reaching 5″ in length that densely fill out the entire tree.
Cold hardy to temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, this variety thrives both during drought conditions and with regular irrigation. A popular plant for its reliability to live up to twenty years and tolerate both coastal and inland California climates.
Care And Planting Instructions
Plant Ray Hartman Wild Lilac in an area that receives full sun to partial shade using well draining soil. Water regularly after planting to help it establish well to its new location, then reduce frequency. While it can tolerate drought-like conditions it also does well when irrigated regularly. Prune back its lower branches during the second or third growing season to encourage new growth or cut back for desired size or shape.
Landscape Design Ideas
A highly versatile ornamental plant, this variety can be used in both coastal and inland landscape designs. Being a California Native plant, this variety is already well adapted to California climates making it an obvious choice for those seeking a large tree with low maintenance requirements while its large spread and height can make it an excellent option for landscapes seeking a large tree for shade.
