Other Names:  Wild Lilac, C. papillosus var. roweanus Hybrid

Description:

A broad, vase shaped evergreen shrub with showy rich blue flowers in early spring, over narrow, crinkled foliage that adds interest; perfect as an informal hedge, screen, or on a slope for erosion control; thrives in coastal conditions

Ornamental Features

Wheeler Canyon California Lilac features showy cymes of blue star-shaped flowers with burgundy bracts along the branches in early spring, which emerge from distinctive burgundy flower buds. It has attractive dark green evergreen foliage. The crinkled narrow leaves are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter. It produces dark red berries from mid summer to early fall.

Landscape Attributes

Wheeler Canyon California Lilac is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an indistinguished habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading

Wheeler Canyon California Lilac is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Wheeler Canyon California Lilac will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.