Ceanothus Ray Hartman

Identification

Description

The Ray Hartman' form of mountain lilac is an evergreen shrub to 20'. The flowers are light to medium blue in 6" flower spikes. The 6" leaves are glossy and dark-green. It is very fast to 10' in 18 months. We planted some in Santa Margarita, California, and they were just under the telephone wires (20') after 2 years. Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman' was introduced in 1948 by Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman' is very drought tolerant. One was planted next to an old PG&E sub-station (Santa Margarita, California)in the late 1960's, it's still doing fine in the year 2003. The substation is long gone, and there has been no watering or maintenance for 30 years or more. This one is ok in heavy soils or sand. Upright growth in most gardens, and a somewhat weeping habit when it sees snow. This hybrid Ceanothus, with parents Ceanothus arboreus and Ceanothus griseus, had no cold damage at 15 degrees F, severe damage at 0 F, and death at -2 to -5 F. Deer love the new growth on this one, so do not plant in a high deer area unless you fence for the first couple of years. 'Ray Hartman' has been reliable in most situations including interior heat. Narrow enough to make a superb screen or hedge. The myth of Ceanothus being short lived is primarily spread by incompetent gardeners that insist on applying drip irrigation, summer water and soil amendments. Upland native plants hate all three. Expect a 20-25 year life in most well tended (no overwatering, no soil disturbance, no fertilizing, no application of soil amendments) gardens. Click here for more about Mountain Lilacs.

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