Ceanothus 'Concha'

Ceanothus 'Concha' is one of the oldest and best Ceanothus hybrids. Ours are 4' high by 4' wide, and they grow larger in milder climates. This cultivar has deep blue flowers, is drought tolerant, and garden tolerant. Deer will disfigure 'Concha' on bad drought years but generally not kill it. This is one of the few hybrids that is alkali tolerant. We have seen 'Concha' green and lush growing next to yellow and dying California sycamores, Ceanothus 'Frosty Blue', crepe myrtle and even Penstemons that were native in the area (in the same soil type). This is one Ceanothus we have grown in the San Joaquin Valley with no reservations, is cold- hardy to 10 degrees F. with no leaf burn, and has recovered from 0 degrees F. Ceanothus 'Concha' is believed to be a hybrid of Ceanothus papillosus var. roweanus and Ceanothus impressus.
The first mention that I could find of Ceanothus Concha was in the Leaflets of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Volumes 1-2 in 1944. I can't find anything else makes any sense, sorry, I'm not sure where this wonderful plant came from.
The myth of Ceanothus being short lived is primarily spread by incompetent gardeners that insist on applying drip irrigation, summer water and soil amendments. Most California native plants hate all three. Expect a 25+ year life in most gardens if you treat this Ceanothus as the drought tolerant plants they are. Click here for more about Mountain Lilacs.