Ceanothus
CEANOTHUS AMERICANUS.--New Jersey Tea. North America, 1713. A shrub of
4 feet in height, with deep green serrated leaves, that are 2 inches
long and pubescent on the under sides. Flowers white, in axillary
panicles, and produced in great abundance. This is one of the hardiest
species, but succeeds best when afforded wall protection.
C. AZUREUS.--Mexico, 1818. This species, though not hardy enough for
ever
situation, is yet sufficiently so to stand unharmed as a wall
plant. It grows from 10 feet to 12 feet high, with deep-green leaves
that are hoary on the under sides. The flowers, which are borne in
large, axillary panicles, are bright blue, and produced in June and the
following months. In a light, dry soil and sunny position this shrub
does well as a wall plant, for which purpose it is one of the most
ornamental. There are several good nursery forms, of which the following
are amongst the best:--C. azureus Albert Pettitt, C. azureus albidus,
C. azureus Arnddii, one of the best, C. azureus Gloire de Versailles,
and C. azureus Marie Simon.
C. CUNEATUS (_syn C. verrucosus_).--California, 1848. This is another
half-hardy species that requires wall protection, which may also be
said of C. Veitchianus, one of the most beautiful of the family, with
dense clusters of rich blue flowers and a neat habit of growth.
C. DENTATUS.--California, 1848. With deeply-toothed, shining-green
leaves, and deep blue, abundantly-produced flowers, this is a
well-known wall plant that succeeds in many parts of the country,
particularly within the influence of the sea. It commences flowering in
May, and frequently continues until frosts set in. It is a very
desirable species, that in favoured situations will grow to fully 10
feet high, and with a spread laterally of nearly the same dimensions.
C. PAPILLOSUS.--California, 1848. This is a straggling bush, with
small, blunt leaves, and panicles of pale blue flowers on long
footstalks. A native of California and requiring wall protection.
C. RIGIDUS.--Another Californian species, is of upright, stiff growth,
a sub-evergreen, with deep purple flowers produced in April and May.
There are other less hardy kinds, including C. floribundus, C.
integerrimus, C. velutinus, and C. divaricatus.