Description

The maritime ceanothus is endemic to a small portion of coastal San Luis Obispo County which it shares with hearst’s ceanothus, Ceanothus hearstiorum. The moderating effects of the Pacific Ocean make for a rather mild, temperate climate, and both species can struggle to survive in other parts of the state with more extreme conditions. The ‘Valley Violet’ selection by the UC Davis Arboretum has proven more tolerant of inland conditions than the species. The Arboretum even recommends ‘Valley Violet' for the Sacramento Valley despite its baking summer heat. ‘Valley Violet’ adds to hardiness an attractive combination of interesting holly-like foliage, lovely flowers of deep blue, and a compact growth form that is not common among ceanothus. Well-draining soils are best. Providing some light shade during the hottest time of the day may be helpful, but it is not essential. The hotter the conditions, the more needed is the shade. Little to no water should be provided after the plant is established.