Ceanothus x pallidus Marie Simon also known as a California Lilac has a long flowering season and is prized for its fluffy panicles of fragrant light pink flowers that age to a soft baby pink that are approximately 7cm in length. 

Flowering from summer and right into late Autumn the flowers are adored by butterflies.  The flowers are borne on attractive red stems that are held above the nicely contrasting foliage.  Flowers are then followed by ornamental red seed capsules. 

This shrub grows in a nicely rounded shaped is fast growing - tough and hardy to cold temperatures.  It is winter dormant so will lose its leaves which will appear again in spring, often we find ours is semi-deciduous. Ceanothus Marie Simon is definitely worth a spot in your garden and is ideal if you have a smaller garden as well as being great in the border, and particularly pretty in a cottage style garden.

We find that this plant thrives well in average but well drained soils in full sun although it will appreciate some afternoon shade where you get hot summer temperatures.  It is drought tolerant once established although looks most spectacular with regular moisture, so a layer of mulch will help to keep the moisture levels up.  Happy in clay or sandy soils, so also fine in coastal gardens.

Prune in summer or autumn.

Height 1.2m High x 1.2m Wide

Hardy 

Plant size: 3.5 Litre