Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis ‘Diamond Heights’

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Key characteristics

Family: Rhamnaceae
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Flower color: Pale blue
Foliage color: Dark green, glossy
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Low, drought tolerant
Maintenance: Low
Growing zone: 7 to 10
Wildlife: Attractive to bees and butterflies

Groundcovers

Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis ‘Diamond Heights’

Diamond Heights Carmel Creeper

Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis 'Diamond Heights' is a compact, evergreen shrub with a spreading habit, prized for its striking, glossy dark green foliage that provides year-round interest. In late spring to early summer, it bursts into bloom with clusters of small, fragrant, pale blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies. This California Lilac thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires little to moderate water.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Low, drought tolerant

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Pollinator Gardens
Deer-Prone Areas
Native Gardens
Coastal Gardens

Companion plants

Penstemons · Woolly sunflowers · Yarrow · California fescues · Manzanitas · California poppies

Design tip

Position this compact ceanothus where its rounded form can define the front of larger shrub groupings without blocking important views. The layered arrangement creates depth, making garden beds appear fuller while preserving clear sightlines throughout the landscape.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)