Hearst Ranch Buckbrush Groundcover | Ceanothus hearstiorum

Green Hearst Ranch Buckbrush shrub in a pot with gravel on the ground

San Simeon Ceanothus

1 Gallon

$21.90

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San Simeon Ceanothus

Ceanothus hearstiorum, San Simeon Ceanothus

An ultra-dwarf, mat-forming native groundcover for rock gardens and the most well-drained, sunny sites.

$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.

San Simeon Ceanothus is an ultra-dwarf, mat-forming native groundcover, endemic to a tiny area of the Central California coast. It is among the lowest-growing ceanothus, forming a dense, flat carpet of tiny, glossy green leaves. In spring, it is covered with small clusters of pale blue flowers. Its extreme low profile, drought tolerance, and adaptability to poor, rocky soils make it a perfect choice for rock gardens, between stepping stones, or as a lawn alternative in tiny, sunny areas.

Ultra-Dwarf Groundcover: One of the smallest ceanothus, forming a dense mat only 2-4 inches tall but spreading several feet.
Tiny Glossy Foliage: Features minute, rounded, shiny leaves that create a fine texture.
Pale Blue Spring Flowers: Produces small but charming blue flower clusters close to the foliage.
Extreme Drought & Coastal Tolerance: Thrives in the harshest, driest, most exposed coastal conditions.
Rare & Specialized: A unique plant for connoisseurs and challenging, well-drained sites.

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: Tiny, oval to rounded, leathery, dark green leaves with a rough texture, densely covering the stems.Flowers: Produces small, fluffy clusters of light blue flowers that cover the plant in a haze of color in spring.Habit: A very low-growing, prostrate, evergreen shrub that forms a dense, flat mat, hugging the ground closely.
Mature Height: 4-6 in.
Mature Width: 6-8 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Needs: Full sun
Key Advantages:Extremely low, flat habit ideal for groundcover.Highly drought tolerant once established.Thrives in poor, rocky, and coastal soils.Very low maintenance.Native to California, supporting local ecosystems
Landscape Uses:Groundcover for large, sunny areas.Erosion control on slopes and banks.Rock gardens and between stepping stones.Coastal and native plant gardens

Q: Can it handle any foot traffic?
A: Light, occasional foot traffic may be tolerated, but it is not a lawn substitute. It's best for ornamental areas without regular walking.

Q: Is it easy to find?
A: It is a rare native, primarily available from specialty native plant nurseries. Its specific habitat needs make it less common in general garden centers.