
In the landscape
Barrier · Border · Hedge · Butterfly · Childrens · Edible
Data sources
California Lilac
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus · Shrub
California Lilac is a fast-growing shrub, hardy in USDA zones 7-10, that matures to about 4–5 ft × 6–7 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with low water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect blue, purple and white blooms in spring and summer. It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and small mammals and stands up well to salt.
- USDA zones
- 7-10
- Sun
- Full sun, Part shade
- Water
- Low
- Mature size
- 4–5 ft × 6–7 ft
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry
- Bloom color
- Blue, Purple, White
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Attracts
- Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Small mammals, Songbirds
- Tough against
- Salt
- Native to
- Southwestern North America
Will it survive your winters?
We score California Lilac’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.
Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.
More plants for your zone: Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9 · Zone 10
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