Description

This variety of the Santa Barbara ceaonothus is endemic to the Nipomo Mesa in San Luis Obispo County and nearby mountains. It may be distinguished from the impressus variety by a more open growth form, and larger, flatter leaves. The plants that I grow (from cuttings) have flower clusters that are quite long and densely spaced for the species. This makes for quite an exceptional spring display. Nipomo Mesa ceanothus has done quite well in SF Bay Area gardens with soil of at least moderate porosity (“drainage”). Consider naturalizing, i.e. withholding supplemental irrigation, after the plant is established.