How much sun does Carmel ceanothus need?

Carmel ceanothus grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Carmel ceanothus bloom?

Carmel ceanothus blooms in February, March, and April.

Where is Carmel ceanothus native?

Carmel ceanothus (Ceanothus griseus) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Carmel ceanothus host?

Carmel ceanothus is a larval host plant for California tortoiseshell.

Carmel ceanothus

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ceanothus griseus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Carmel ceanothus (Ceanothus griseus) is a perennial shrub native to CA. It blooms in February, March, and April. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Carmel ceanothus (Ceanothus griseus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

72"–180" H × 96"–240" W

Bloom

Feb, Mar, Apr

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A large evergreen shrub with glossy rounded leaves and abundant clusters of blue flowers in late winter and early spring. Can be trained as a large screening hedge or left to spread naturally.

Growing Carmel ceanothus

Grow Carmel ceanothus in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 72 to 180 inches tall and spread 96 to 240 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for California tortoiseshell.

Flowers draw large numbers of native bees and butterflies, and the foliage hosts California tortoiseshell caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Carmel ceanothus need?: Carmel ceanothus grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Carmel ceanothus bloom?: Carmel ceanothus blooms in February, March, and April.
Where is Carmel ceanothus native?: Carmel ceanothus (Ceanothus griseus) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Carmel ceanothus host?: Carmel ceanothus is a larval host plant for California tortoiseshell.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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