This NZ cultivar of the popular 'Californian Lilac' is a fast growing spreading shrub useful for tumbling over walls or for using as a ground-cover. In spring masses of blue flower heads smother the bright green foliage. Likes a sunny well drained spot and protection from harsh frost. Evergreen.

Prune after flowering to keep tidy. Ceanothus fix nitrogen from the atmosphere so require no fertiliser.

An attractive spreading evergreen shrub which features sparkling clusters of dark blue flowers in late spring. The shiny foliage turns a deeps ebony shade during winter, changing to dark chocolate-green during spring and summer. Quite hardy and tolerant of wind and cold. PVR 1334.

This is a very useful shrub for cascading over walls and banks. Benefits from a trim every now and then (after flowering) to encourage healthy new growth. Very striking in full flower.

Std. An attractive evergreen shrub which features sparkling clusters of dark blue flowers in late spring. The shiny foliage turns a deeps ebony shade during winter, changing to dark chocolate-green during spring and summer. Quite hardy and tolerant of wind and cold. PVR 1334.

Ceanothus fix nitrogen from the atmosphere so require no fertiliser.

This spreading prostrate evergreen produces tight clusters of powder-blue flowers. These contrast nicely with the small lime green leaves that are splashed a darker green. This plant needs a well drained warm site in full sun position. Once established it requires little attention other than a light pruning after flowering.

Californian Lilac. Once Joyce gets settled in the garden she will spread herself around a bit as she grows wider than she is tall. Great plant for hot dry banks. Masses of bright blue blooms spring-summer. Likes the sun and good drainage and protection from harsh frost. Evergreen.

Ceanothus fix nitrogen from the atmosphere so require no fertiliser.

If you like blue then the Californian Lilac is the plant for you. Lovely glossy evergreen foliage and in spring profuse clusters of bright blue flowers put on a really dazzling show. Copes well with a hot dry position making this spreading shrub ideal for banks and walls. Appreciates a regular haircut.

Ceanothus fix nitrogen from the atmosphere so require no fertiliser.

Small tree with narrow leaves which emerge rich coppery red turning dark green above and pale green below. Clusters of white flowers in creamy white bracts which are followed by bright red sepals. Best in well drained good soil that does not get too dry. Prefers warm sheltered site. Protect from heavy frost. Evergreen

Well we can't award this winter flowering shrub the top prize for beauty but we can give it 10 out of 10 for perfume. From mid winter the bare branches are covered in soft yellow flowers with the most delicious fragrance. Picks well so put some in a vase for instant aromatherapy. Deciduous.

An awarding winning cultivar of the much loved and highly fragrant 'Winter Sweet'. Yellow waxy flowers appear in abundance on bare branches in winter and fill the air with their delicious fragrance. Plant in sun or part shade, perhaps towards the back of the garden as it smells better than it looks.

Mexican Orange Blossom. This elegant shrub has fine narrow dark green aromatic foliage. In summer pink buds open out to a mass of white starry flowers. Very pretty as a back-ground shrub in the border. Will grow in sun or part shade and is quite undemanding and hardy. Evergreen.