Dark Star California Lilac in a nursery setting with pots in the background

Dark Star California Lilac

1 Gallon
$21.90
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Dark Star California Lilac in a nursery setting with pots in the background
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Dark Star California Lilac

Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’, Small Leaf California Lilac

A compact, vase-shaped shrub for an electrifying display of cobalt blue spring flowers.

$21.90
Size

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Dark Star California Lilac is a spectacular, compact shrub celebrated for its near-flourescent, cobalt blue flower clusters that are among the darkest in the genus. It has a distinctive, upright, vase-shaped habit. Blooming in mid-spring, it creates a bold, electric blue statement. Its smaller size and striking color make it perfect for a prominent spot in a water-wise garden, mixed border, or large container.

  • Vivid Cobalt Blue Blooms: Produces clusters of exceptionally dark, vibrant blue flowers that seem to glow.

  • Compact, Vase-Shaped Habit: Grows with an upright, branching form, reaching 5-6 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide.

  • Mid-Spring Bloomer: Provides a stunning focal point during its flowering season.

  • Ideal for Accent Planting: Its color and form demand attention, making it a perfect specimen.

  • Drought Tolerant & Low Maintenance: Once established, requires minimal care.

Knowing how we measure the size?

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

  • A larger gallon size generally means:

    • A more established root system

    • A sturdier plant

    • Faster visual impact after planting

  • Example:

    • 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity

    • 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.


🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Ornamental trees

    • Feature plants

    • Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.

  • Why choose Multi:

    • Fuller, more sculptural appearance

    • Strong visual presence even at younger ages

    • Popular for design-focused landscapes


🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Shade trees

    • Street trees

    • Orchard and structural plantings

  • Why choose Stand:

    • Clean, classic tree form

    • Easier clearance for walkways and lawns

    • Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity


🌿 Choosing the Right Size

  • If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form

  • If you want long-term structure → Stand form

  • If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Quick facts
  • Features:Foliage: Small, narrow, lance-shaped, leathery leaves with a wrinkled texture and deep green color.Flowers: Intense cobalt-blue flowers in dense, rounded clusters create a stunning display in spring. The flower buds are a dramatic dark burgundy before opening.Habit: A compact, evergreen shrub with a vase-shaped, upright-arching growth habit and dense branching.
  • Mature Height: 5-6 ft.
  • Mature Width: 8-10 ft.
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Light Needs: Full sun
  • Key Advantages:Vibrant, deep blue flowers are exceptionally showy.Highly drought tolerant once established.Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.Compact size suitable for smaller landscapes.Tolerates poor soils and coastal conditions
  • Landscape Uses:Specimen flowering shrub.Informal screen or hedge.Slopes and erosion control. Wildlife gardens
FAQs

Q: What is the best way to showcase its color?
A: Plant it against a light-colored wall, near silver or gray foliage plants, or with yellow-blooming companions (like Fremontodendron) for maximum color contrast.

Q: Is it short-lived?
A: It has a typical ceanothus lifespan of 8-12 years under good conditions. Avoiding summer water once established and ensuring perfect drainage are key to its longevity.

Browse online or get recommendations

Shop by collection, or message us with photos and measurements of your space for tailored suggestions.

Place your order & schedule delivery

Choose your trees and preferred delivery window. Most Bay Area orders are delivered within about 10 business days, depending on routing and weather.

We deliver carefully to your property

Our drivers are trained to handle living plants, not just boxes. For many trees, we can set them in place near the planting site.

Grow with our ongoing support

You’ll receive basic care guidelines, and you can always reach out if you’re unsure about watering, fertilizing, or pruning.

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