How to prune California Lilac (Ceanothus)?
Evergreen ceanothus (California Lilac) is a reliable and popular shrub for gardens on South Vancouver Island, particularly the cultivar ‘Victoria’ which produces abundant blue flower clusters. It doesn’t require pruning but may be pruned to maintain shape, keep a compact size, or form a hedge. If pruning the evergreen ceanothus, it is best to do a “light” pruning, removing less than one-third of branch length, every year. It may be pruned after flowering, in summer and/or in the dormant season. Avoid pruning too far back into older wood, unless this is desired for shape, as there is poor regrowth from the older wood. If you have a large and overgrown shrub, consider removing and replacing it with a smaller plant rather than undertake an extensive prune. There are deciduous varieties of ceanothus which are pruned differently. Deciduous varieties can be pruned after flowering is complete.
Sources:
https://www.gardenia.net/plant/ceanothus-victoria-california-lilac (accessed August 24, 2023) https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/ceanothus/growing-guide (accessed August 24, 2023)
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