Ceanothus 'BLUE MOUND'

Blueblossom originates in California and Mexico and these days it is getting more and more popular in our climate though it is supposed to be a tender plant. However, there are varieties which, with a certain degree of winter protection, can cope well and offer its lovely shade of blue flowers.

Blue Mound is a low growing variety of blueblossom with absolutely amazing flowers that are not violet, not pale purple, just unbeatable sky blue. They are formed in rounded, 3-4 cm long, terminal cymes and come out in early June and usually last for about a month. That is another reason to own this gorgeousness. There are so many of them every year that they totally cover the plant. Evergreen leaves are small, ovate, dark green, very glossy and deeply veined.

It grows medium fast or fast, producing strong branches in the angle of about 45 degrees, forming a mounding shrub. If you wish to keep it compact and smaller, prune it every year after it has flowered (early July). The denser it gets the hardier it will be over winter. Unpruned plants may get leggy over a few years.

It needs fertile, permeable soil, adequately moist for the first year and preferably slightly acidic in order to avoid chlorosis (leaves turn yellow and the plant defoliates when it cannot absorb iron from the soil). Do not apply fertilizers for faster growth. Too long shoots will not have enough time to mature and will be killed in winter. You can use a slow release selective fertilizer for profuse flowering or leaf colour. What you definitely must do is to provide a thick layer of mulch, especially before winter. Plant it in a location sheltered from winds - best against a wall or in a closed yard. For reliable overwintering you also need to find a place that will be insolated in summer but shaded in winter - long-lasting winter sun in combination with frost may cause visible injuries.

It is hardy to about -21°C (USDA zone 6b) and protection is advised for lower temperatures (2-3 layers of white fleece). Overwrap the plant with this protective fabric when the temperature drops below -20°C for maximum 2 weeks, and take it off when the weather improves. It must not be wrapped all winter long, it might get damaged by strong spring sun. This stunning beauty is worth some extra work.

Last update 09-07-2014