Variegated Carmel Creeper | Cream & Green Groundcover Lilac

Variegated Carmel Creeper California Lilac

1 Gallon

$21.90

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Variegated Carmel Creeper California Lilac

Ceanothus griseus horizontalis 'Diamond Heights'

A unique variegated groundcover ceanothus for year-round foliage color in partial shade.

$21.90

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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.

Variegated Carmel Creeper is a stunning, low-growing selection prized for its year-round ornamental foliage. Its small leaves are bright chartreuse-green with irregular creamy-yellow margins, creating a luminous effect. In spring, it produces clusters of pale blue flowers. Its slow, spreading habit and colorful leaves make it an exceptional groundcover for brightening shady slopes, rock gardens, or understories where most ceanothus won't thrive.

Ornamental Variegated Foliage: The primary feature is its bright yellow-and-green variegated leaves, providing constant color.
Low, Spreading Habit: A slow, prostrate grower, reaching only 1-2 feet tall but spreading 4-6 feet.
Tolerates More Shade: Unlike most ceanothus, it performs well in partial shade, making it uniquely versatile.
Pale Blue Spring Flowers: Produces light blue flower clusters that complement the foliage.
Unique Colorful Groundcover: Ideal for adding light to shaded banks or as a contrasting underplanting.

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.

Features:Foliage: Small, oval, leathery leaves with a bright green center and striking creamy-yellow to gold margins. The variegated foliage provides year-round visual interest.Flowers: Produces clusters of small, fragrant, light blue flowers in spring.Habit: A low-growing, spreading, evergreen shrub with a dense, ground-hugging, mat-like habit.
Mature Height: 1-2 ft.
Mature Width: 4-6 ft.
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Attractive variegated foliage brightens the landscape year-round.Highly drought tolerant once established.Excellent for erosion control on slopes.Low maintenance.Tolerates coastal conditions
Landscape Uses:Groundcover for sunny slopes and banks.Rock gardens.Coastal and water-wise landscapes.Spiller over walls or in containers

Q: How much shade can it take?
A: It thrives in partial shade (e.g., under high-branching oaks) or morning sun with afternoon shade. In full, hot sun, the delicate variegated leaves can scorch.

Q: Is it as drought tolerant as green-leaved ceanothus?
A: It is drought tolerant once established but benefits from more consistent moisture than its all-green cousins, especially in warmer locations, due to its reduced chlorophyll.