Ceanothus is a lovely shrub that is often known as California Lilac. There are too many individual types to cover, but they are a wonderful shrub to grow, especially if you can't grow lilacs in your zone. Most Ceanothus are in Zones 7-10 and have beautiful blooms in varying shades of blue or creamy white. They will grown near the ocean or in hot, dry soil.

They are sometimes thought of as hard to grow and are even called short-lived, but this can be fixed by learning what they need and doing it. The key to growing most of this type of shrub is not over-fertilize, don't amend the soil too freely, or use a drip type irrigation or soaker hose on a regular basis. Remember these are DON'TS. All three are things we usually think of as good things, but in this case they aren't. California lilac doesn't like humidity or too much rain. Instead of trying to baby it with more fertilizer and a lot of watering, give it what it needs! The first year it should be watered on a regular basis until it establishes itself, which is the case with many plants. But remember, It prefers a dry, warm/hot period--if you water or fertilize during this time it no longer feels like a "native" to the area and may start to go downhill. This means you will need to locate it near other flowers, trees or shrubs that like the same type of treatment.

Ceanothus can be used as a border shrub or a screen, but it can also be mixed into your landscape as a foundation plant or as a solitary shrub on it's own. It will flower during the late winter or early spring. Prune lightly after flowering, but not before. Ceanothus 'Concha' is one variety which has been mentioned as being able to tolerate soil that is a little heavier and more moist. Try this type if you just don't think you can keep it as dry as it needs, or if the soil retains water more than some.

For those of us in the colder zones we only have one type of Ceanothus that is hardy enough for our winters. Ceanothus americanus, also known as New Jersey Tea, has pretty white flowers and will grow in well-drained soils in full sun--and will tolerate a little bit of shade. It's roots are VERY deep which means it's extremely drought tolerant. It's also very difficult to transplant so plan out its location carefully. New Jersey Tea will grow to about 3 foot tall, and the blooms are white with young wood that is yellow, which gives it a neat look in the winter season.

From Brenda Hyde, owner of Old Fashioned Living.com. Visit her for more tips, recipes and crafts. Sign up for her free newsletters here: http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/news.html