Ceanothus 'Tassajara Blue' - Tassajara Blue Wild Lilac

Description

A tall evergreen shrub usually reaching about 8' tall and wide, though it may get up to 10'.  This beauty is covered in an explosion of clear blue blossoms in spring, which contrast the lush, deep green foliage.  'Tassajara Blue' is a hybrid between Ceanothus arboreous and C. griseus, so do expect a lovely broad leaf which will be attractive to deer.  Great as a hedgerow or living fence- apparently this shrub is amenable to shearing, a rare quality in the native plant world, and helpful if you are trying to create a visual screen which is easy to maintain.  Resembles the popular C. 'Ray Hartman' but smaller, though I have not seen this pruned up into a small tree like the 'Ray Hartman' often is... it may be possible (?), which is a great strategy when you want to keep the foliage up out of the reach of deer.  Introduced by Las Pilitas Nursery in the 90's.  Drought tolerant once established... Ceanothus do not want consistent summer water once they are established which can lead to their death.