Carmel Point Ceanothus (Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis 'Carmel Point') is a beautiful California native evergreen groundcover known for its glossy green foliage and clusters of blue to lavender-blue flowers that brighten the garden in late winter and spring. Its dense, spreading growth habit makes it an excellent choice for covering slopes, filling large landscape areas, and helping control erosion. Drought tolerant once established, this low-maintenance shrub thrives in sunny to partially shaded locations and well-drained soil, making it especially well suited to coastal California gardens and naturalistic landscapes.

Quick care: Full sun to part shade • Low water once established • Well-drained soil • Evergreen spreading groundcover. See the Plant Profile and Growing Conditions below for full details.

Plant Profile

• Plant Type: Evergreen perennial shrub and groundcover

• Mature Size: Approximately 1–3 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide, depending on growing conditions

• Native Range: Coastal California

• Flower Color: Blue to lavender-blue

• Bloom Time: Late winter through spring

• Foliage: Glossy, oval-shaped green leaves that remain on the plant year-round

• Growth Habit: Low-growing, dense, spreading shrub that forms a broad carpet of evergreen foliage

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter inland climates

• Water: Low — drought tolerant once established

• Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, rocky, or clay soils

• USDA Zones: Approximately 8–10, depending on local conditions

• Drought Tolerant: Yes — once established

• Maintenance: Low; prune lightly as needed to maintain shape and control spreading. Avoid heavy pruning into old, leafless wood, as Ceanothus may not readily resprout from it.

Planting Instructions

• Best Planting Time: Fall through spring in California, when temperatures are mild

• Spacing: Plant approximately 6–8 feet apart for a spreading groundcover, allowing room for mature growth

• Planting Depth: Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and about twice as wide. Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its nursery container

• Establishment Water: Water thoroughly after planting. Water regularly during the establishment period, allowing the soil to drain between waterings

• Long-Term Care: Gradually reduce watering as the plant establishes. Once established, water sparingly during the dry season. Avoid frequent summer irrigation and poorly drained soil, as excessive moisture can contribute to root problems.

Wildlife & Pollinators

• Attracts: Native bees, honeybees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects

• Pollinator Value: Abundant spring flower clusters provide nectar and pollen for visiting pollinators

• Wildlife Benefits: Dense evergreen foliage offers shelter and cover for birds and other small wildlife. Seeds may provide food for birds.

• Deer Resistant: Often considered deer resistant, although browsing may occur

• Garden Benefits: Excellent for slopes, erosion control, coastal gardens, banks, and low-water landscape plantings

• Notable: Carmel Point Ceanothus provides year-round greenery and a spectacular display of blue spring flowers. Its spreading habit helps cover bare ground and suppress weeds once established. Give it enough space to spread and avoid planting it in areas that remain waterlogged during summer.