Description

Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman' is one of many well-known Bay Area introductions. Originally collected in a garden near Saratoga in the 1940s, it is believed to be a hybrid of Ceanothus arboreus and C. thyrsiflorus var. griseus. It grows in a rounded form to nearly 20 feet tall and wide, but can be pruned into a single trunk tree. The dark green leaves are large among ceanothus, reflecting the influence of C. arboreus. The dense covering of large blue flowers make for an exceptional spring display. 'Ray Hartman' ceanothus prefers full sun and soil of at least medium drainage. Blooms in late February/early March in Santa Clara County. This form has been pruned to grow as a dense shrub.