Overview
Ceanothus griseus (Trel. ex B.L. Robins.) McMinn var. horizontalis McMinn, commonly known as Carmel Creeper, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Rhamnaceae family. It is a native Californian plant that is mostly found in the coastal scrub and chaparral regions of California, from San Francisco to Baja California. This evergreen shrub is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, known for its beautiful flowers and ability to attract pollinators.
Description
The Carmel Creeper is a low-growing shrub that grows up to 2-3 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. It has a spreading, prostrate habit and its branches grow along the ground, forming a dense mat-like habit. The leaves are small, roughly ovate and have serrated margins. They are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and paler on the underside.
The plant produces small, fragrant, and delicate blue flowers that bloom in late winter through early summer. The flowers are borne in clusters at the tips of the branches and are a source of forage for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
The fruits of Ceanothus griseus are small capsules that contain hard seeds. The seed is dispersed by birds and other animals. In the garden, the plant can spread by rooting along the stem as it grows, making it an excellent choice for ground cover.
Uses
Carmel Creeper is a popular ornamental plant that is commonly used in gardens and landscapes as a ground cover, border, or edging plant. In addition, it is well suited for erosion control and is often used on hillsides and slopes where rainfall runoff may be a problem.
The plant is drought tolerant and thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. It is also deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who live in areas with a high deer population.
Some Native American tribes used the plant to treat colds and stomach issues. The roots of the plant were also used to make a type of soap that was effective for cleaning delicate fabrics.
Conclusion
Ceanothus griseus (Trel. ex B.L. Robins.) McMinn var. horizontalis McMinn is a versatile and attractive plant that can enhance the beauty of any garden or landscape. Its low-growing habit, beautiful blue flowers, and ability to attract pollinators make it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space.
Growth Conditions for Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis
Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that is native to coastal California and Oregon. It is commonly known as Carmel ceanothus, as it is often found in the Carmel region of California.
Light Requirements
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. In areas with hot and dry summers, it should be planted in a spot that receives afternoon shade. Too much shade will result in spindly growth and fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis is well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but prefers cooler temperatures. It is important to protect this plant from extreme cold, as freezing temperatures can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
This shrub prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. It can tolerate poor soil conditions, but will not perform well in heavy clay soil. Adding organic material to the soil can improve its fertility and drainage.
Overall, providing the correct growing conditions is essential to maintaining a healthy and attractive Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis. With proper care, it can be a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
Cultivation Methods
Ceanothus griseus (Trel. ex B.L. Robins.) McMinn var. horizontalis McMinn thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade environments. It prefers loamy soil types, but it can also grow in sandy or clay soils, provided they are of good quality. You can propagate Ceanothus griseus from seeds, cuttings, layering, or division of the roots. It is crucial to plant it at the appropriate depth, leaving enough room for the roots to grow and spread.
Watering Needs
Ceanothus griseus can tolerate drought conditions, but it still needs regular watering to remain healthy and attractive. The watering schedule usually depends on the prevailing soil and climatic conditions. Typically, it requires watering once a week in the summer and once a month in the winter. However, it's best to avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other related problems.
Fertilization Requirements
Ceanothus griseus doesn't need a lot of fertilizers to thrive. However, if your soil lacks essential nutrients, it is advisable to replenish it with quality organic fertilizers like compost or manure. Most gardeners prefer applying fertilizers during the active growing seasons, starting from spring to summer. In contrast, others prefer fall and winter to ensure the roots obtain all the necessary nutrients before the dormant seasons.
Pruning Needs
It's advisable to prune Ceanothus griseus lightly to shape and control its growth. Pruning should be done immediately after blooming, as this plant produces flower buds on new growth. You can remove any horizontal branches that may obstruct paths or nearby plants. Thinning out some branches can increase air circulation and sunlight penetration, ensuring your plant remains healthy and vibrant. Be careful not to over-prune, as this plant doesn't produce new growth from old wood.
Propagation of Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis
Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis can be propagated through different methods such as seed, cuttings, and layering.
Seed propagation
Propagation through seed requires patience as the germination process may take up to several months. The seeds should be gathered from ripe fruit in late summer or early fall. The seeds must be cleaned to eliminate the fleshy pulp and be sown immediately. The seeds must not be allowed to dry out or exposed to high temperatures. It is best to store them in a cool, dry place in the meantime. The seeds should be sown into a potting mix and kept moist until germination occurs. It is vital to keep the potting mix damp but not too wet, to promote good germination. Seedlings should be transplanted into larger individual pots once they are large enough to handle, and they reach at least two inches in height.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is an effective way to propagate Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis. Cuttings should be taken during the dormant season, usually in winter or early spring, and the cuttings should be around six inches long. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth, ensuring that there is one set of leaves at the top. The lower leaves should then be removed, leaving a few sets of leaves at the top. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in the potting mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist, but not too wet, to prevent rotting. In about 6-8 weeks, the cuttings will have roots, and they can be transplanted into larger pots once they reach eight inches in height.
Layering propagation
Layering propagation involves making a cut on the plant stem while still attached to the parent plant and then rooting it in the soil. To propagate Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis through layering, locate a low-lying stem and make a small incision on the underneath side of the stem. Dust the incision with rooting hormone, then place the wounded area in a closed container with moist soil or rooting medium. Roots may take a few weeks to develop. Once the cutting has roots, cut it free from the parent plant and transplant it into its own container.
Disease and Pest Management for Ceanothus Griseus (Trel. ex B.L. Robins.) McMinn var. Horizontalis McMinn
Ceanothus griseus (Trel. ex B.L. Robins.) McMinn var. horizontalis McMinn is a durable, low-growing shrub native to the western United States. Although generally hardy and disease-resistant, it can fall prey to certain pests and diseases, compromising its overall health and vigour. Careful management practices can help to mitigate these threats.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis is Ceanothus stem and root rot, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi. Symptoms of this disease include wilted foliage, discolored leaves, and dieback of twigs and branches. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid over-watering the plant and to provide good drainage. In addition, removing infected plant material and applying fungicide can help to limit the spread of the pathogen.
Another disease that can afflict Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Septoria coelomycetous. Symptoms of this disease include the appearance of brown or black spots on the leaves, which can ultimately lead to defoliation. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove infected plant material and to ensure proper spacing between plants to improve air circulation. Additionally, applying fungicide may be necessary to control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis can also face infestations from certain pests, including scale insects and spider mites. Scale insects, which are small and usually immobile, feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing of the foliage. Spider mites, on the other hand, are tiny arachnids that thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause stippling and premature leaf drop.
To manage infestations of scale insects and spider mites, it is important to first identify the pest and then administer the appropriate control methods. This may include insecticidal soap or oil, natural predators, or physical removal of the pests. In addition, maintaining proper plant health through regular watering, fertilization, and pruning can help to prevent infestations in the first place.
Overall, with proper management practices and vigilance, it is possible to maintain the health and beauty of Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis while minimizing the risk of disease and pest problems.
