Description

This attractive ceanothus has a very limited distribution in Sonoma and Napa Counties in the SF Bay Area. Found in sunny sites with well draining soil, holly-leaved ceanothus grows as an open rounded shrub to five feet or so. The leaves are leathery, dark green, and edged with conspicuous holly-like spines. The leaves likely explain why this species is particularly resistant to browsing by deer and other herbivores. This is one of the parent plants for the popular ‘Blue Jeans’ ceanothus. In late winter Ceanothus purpureas erupts with quite a show of violet flowers. Although said to be difficult to establish, it is well worth the investment. Planting in early fall in a well-suited site will foster success. Do provide some afternoon shade in hot, interior locations.