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Products > Ceanothus maritimus 'Frosty Dawn'   Ceanothus maritimus 'Frosty Dawn' - Maritime Ceanothus Note: This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.     Habit and Cultural Information Category: Shrub Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorns) Origin: California (U.S.A.) Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: Lavender Blue Bloomtime: Winter Height: 1-2 feet Width: 4-6 feet Exposure: Sun or Shade Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 10-15° F Ceanothus maritimus 'Frosty Dawn' (Maritime Ceanothus) – This slow-growing yet long-lived selection of maritime ceanothus forms a low mound 2 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. The slightly arching stems are lined with thick, leathery, 1/2 inch long, gray-green leaves and lavender blue flowers in mid to late winter. In coastal California gardens, this cultivar is one of the earliest ceanothus to flower, often blooming in January. Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained soils and water sparingly for best results, though we have seen this plant thriving in heavy soil and half-day sun in a Santa Barbara garden. In fact, 'Frosty Dawn' was by far the most successful of the groundcover ceanothus in this particular garden. This cultivar performs best in coastal climates but has also proved successful in inland gardens when grown in part shade. A rare shrub native to the hills around Arroyo de la Cruz in San Luis Obispo County, maritime ceanothus is an excellent small-scale groundcover and is particularly effective in rock gardens or dry borders. Dave Fross selected and introduced 'Frosty Dawn' and notes that there are two or three clones of Ceanothus maritimus circulating in the trade under the name 'Frosty Dawn'. One imposter has light blue flowers and is quite easy to distinguish from the original while another has darker flowers similar to true 'Frosty Dawn', but with a taller and more open habit. Hardy to 10 degrees F.  This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We also try to incorporate comments received from others and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Ceanothus maritimus 'Frosty Dawn'.     [MORE INFO]