Description

Ceanothus impressus, Santa Barbara ceanothus, is native to two coastal mesas in southern San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. The small, dark green leaves and bright blue flowers have made it a popular species for decades, especially in the form of two hybrids derived from it: Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’ and Ceanothus ‘Julia Phelps.’ The ‘Vandenberg’ selection was made by Nevin Smith in 1982 on Vandenberg Airforce Base. It is a wonderful representative of the species. The dark, deeply furrowed leaves are exceptionally small and grow quite densely. The sky blue flowers are small but numerous, and grow among the leaves in a way that enhances the appearance of leaf and flower. The growth form is upright and spreading. ‘Vandenberg’ ceanothus does best with well-draining soil and some protection in inland areas.