Ceanothus ‘Repens’ – Spreading Evergreen with Soft Blue Spring Blooms

Ceanothus ‘Repens’, also known as creeping Californian lilac, is a beautifully low, spreading evergreen shrub that forms a wide carpet of glossy green foliage. Its relaxed, ground-hugging habit makes it perfect for banks, sloping sites, and sunny borders where reliable cover and year-round structure are needed.

In late spring, the plant becomes studded with clusters of soft, sky-blue flowers that sit charmingly against the dark green leaves. These nectar-rich blooms are a favourite of bees and early-season pollinators, adding gentle colour and wildlife value to the garden.

One of the toughest and most adaptable Ceanothus varieties, ‘Repens’ thrives in full sun and free-draining soil, coping well with drought, coastal winds, and poorer ground. Its informal, naturally spreading habit means it works beautifully in Mediterranean-style planting and gravel gardens, as well as in larger borders where it can trail and spill gracefully.

Low-maintenance, resilient, and effortlessly pretty, Ceanothus ‘Repens’ is a superb choice for gardeners seeking a dependable evergreen with soft blue spring flowers.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Covered in clusters of soft blue flowers.
Summer: Glossy evergreen foliage provides structure and richness.
Autumn: Maintains its neat, spreading form as borders fade.
Winter: Evergreen presence gives year-round coverage and shape.

Key Features

• Pretty blue flowers – Masses of soft sky-blue blooms in spring.

• Spreading habit – Excellent groundcover and slope stabiliser.

• Evergreen – Dense, glossy foliage all year round.

• Drought tolerant – Thrives in sunny, dry spots once established.

• Wildlife-friendly – A valuable nectar source for bees.

Perfect For

• Groundcover – Quickly covers soil in sunny borders and beds.

• Banks and slopes – Ideal for trailing and stabilising ground.

• Coastal planting – Wind and salt tolerant.

• Gravel gardens – Loves free-draining, sunny conditions.

• Mixed Mediterranean schemes – Complements dry-loving shrubs and perennials.

Growing Tips

Sun/Position: Full sun for compact growth and best flowering.
Soil: Free-draining soil is essential; avoid wet, heavy clay.
Hardiness: Hardy in sheltered UK gardens; protect from severe frost.
Care: Light trim after flowering; avoid cutting back into old wood.

Looks Great With

• Silver foliage plants – Senecio ‘Sunshine’, Artemisia, Santolina.

• Low grasses – Festuca glauca, Stipa tenuissima.

• Mediterranean shrubs – Lavender, Cistus, Rosemary.

• Dry garden perennials – Eryngium, Perovskia, Salvias.

Ceanothus Repens 5 Litre Pot Grasslands Nursery Semi Hardy Average Rate Of Growth Blue Evergreen

Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.