Ray Hartman ceanothus (Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’) is an easy-to-grow evergreen shrub or small tree. This garden hybrid of island ceanothus (Ceanothus arboreus) and Carmel ceanothus (Ceanothus griseus) is available in nurseries statewide.
The plant has dark green, glossy leaves. Its powder-blue to dark-blue flowers emerge in late winter to early spring. They attract many pollinators.
Ray Hartman ceanothus grows fast and tolerates fairly dry soil and clay. It naturalizes well on slope bottoms and north-facing slopes. Once established, avoid watering in summer or early fall, as it may shorten the plant’s life.
Note that deer love this plant, so protecting a new planting may pay off in the end. Rodents may also strip smaller branches and shoots off this lilac to make their nests.