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Ray Hartman California Lilac

Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman'

Last reviewed: July 2026

Ray Hartman California Lilac (Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman')

Ray Hartman California Lilac (Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman') is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

96"–240" H × 96"–240" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeChihuahuan DesertsCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsSonoran Basin and Range

Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman' is a large, fast-growing evergreen shrub with brilliant blue flowers in spring. This lilac can grow 8-20 feet tall and wide, creating an impressive screening plant or small tree when mature.

In an HOA neighborhood

Ray Hartman California Lilac is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, street edge.

  • Very large mature size requires adequate space
  • May appear too informal for formal landscape designs
  • Needs proper pruning to maintain tidy appearance

Wildlife value

Host plant for pale swallowtail, echo blue butterfly.

Highly valuable to native wildlife, supporting numerous bee species, butterflies, and hummingbirds when in bloom. The dense foliage also provides good nesting habitat for birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Ray Hartman California Lilac need?
Ray Hartman California Lilac grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Ray Hartman California Lilac bloom?
Ray Hartman California Lilac blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Ray Hartman California Lilac native?
Ray Hartman California Lilac (Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman') is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Ray Hartman California Lilac toxic to dogs?
Ray Hartman California Lilac is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Ray Hartman California Lilac toxic to cats?
Ray Hartman California Lilac is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What butterflies or moths does Ray Hartman California Lilac host?
Ray Hartman California Lilac is a larval host plant for pale swallowtail and echo blue butterfly.
Is Ray Hartman California Lilac HOA-friendly?
Ray Hartman California Lilac is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Ray Hartman California Lilac? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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