Julia Phelps Mountain Lilac (Ceanothus 'Julia Phelps')

• Botanical Name: Ceanothus 'Julia Phelps'

• Common Name: Julia Phelps Mountain Lilac

• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

• Mature Size: 6–8 ft. tall × 8–12 ft. wide

• Flower Color: Deep indigo blue

• Bloom Time: Spring

• Foliage: Small, dark green, crinkled leaves

• Growth Habit: Dense, upright to mounding

• Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)

• Origin: Garden selection; believed to be a hybrid of Ceanothus impressus and C. papillosus var. roweanus

• Sun: Full sun; can tolerate some part shade

• Water: Low once established

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

• Drainage: Excellent drainage is essential

• Drought Tolerant: Yes, highly drought-tolerant once established

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

• Deer Resistant: Yes

• USDA Zones: 8–10

• Summer Water: Little to none once established; excessive summer irrigation can shorten the plant's lifespan

• Special Uses: Specimen, hedge, screen, slope planting, erosion control, wildlife garden

Orders ship within 2–3 business days. Nationwide shipping available. Local pickup available at Moosa Creek Nursery.

• Best Planting Time: Fall through early spring

• Spacing: 8–12 feet apart; allow room for mature spread

• Planting Depth: Set root ball level with surrounding soil; keep the crown dry

• Establishment Water: Water deeply about once a week during the first growing season, allowing the soil to dry between waterings

• Long-Term Care: Gradually reduce irrigation as established; provide little to no summer water and prune lightly only when needed

• Tip: Choose a well-drained location and avoid frequent summer irrigation. Ceanothus is difficult to transplant once established.

• Attracts: Hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees, and other beneficial insects

• Pollinator Value: Excellent early-season nectar source

• Wildlife Value: Dense evergreen foliage provides shelter and habitat

• Bird Value: Seeds are eaten by bushtits, mockingbirds, quail, finches, and other birds

• Deer Resistant: Yes

• Habitat Value: Excellent choice for wildlife and pollinator gardens

Every plant ships rooted in an individual 3-inch nursery container with soil. Plants are healthy, established, and ready to transplant on arrival.

• 3-Pack: 3 plants packed in one custom clamshell tray for safe shipping.

• 6-Pack: 6 plants packed in two custom clamshell trays (3 per tray).

• 32-Plant Tray: 32 plants in an industry-standard 32-cell propagation flat — ideal for landscape projects and large plantings.

Tip: For best results, plant within a few days of arrival. If you can't plant right away, place the tray in bright, indirect light and water lightly until ready.