Ray Hartman California Lilac

5 Gallon·Multi

$54.90

1/6

Ray Hartman California Lilac

Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’

A fast-growing, adaptable large shrub or tree for a profuse display of light blue flowers and quick screening.

$54.90

24-hour Money-back Guarantee

Free Delivery Over $199

+1 650-241-8858 (SMS ok)

coco-plant

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.

Ray Hartman California Lilac is a classic, fast-growing, large hybrid that is one of the most popular and adaptable garden ceanothus. It quickly forms a majestic, rounded shrub or small tree covered in large clusters of light blue flowers in spring. It is more tolerant of garden conditions, occasional summer water, and a variety of soils than many species. An excellent choice for a fast screen, windbreak, or large specimen.

Fast-Growing Large Shrub/Tree: Quickly reaches 12-20 feet tall and wide, providing rapid screening.
Profuse Light Blue Spring Blooms: Covered in large panicles of soft blue flowers.
Garden-Adaptable Hybrid: Tolerates clay soils better than most and can handle occasional summer irrigation.
Excellent Wildlife Value: A major nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Versatile Landscape Tree: Can be used as a large informal hedge, pruned as a multi-trunk tree, or left as a massive specimen.

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:Medium-sized, lance-shaped, leathery leaves with rough texture and deep green color. Fragrant, small soft lavender flowers blooming in dense clusters during spring. California native evergreen shrub with an upright, compact, broad-spreading form. Drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and responds well to pruning.
Mature Height: 12–20 feet
Mature Width: 15–20 feet
Light Needs: Full sun
Landscape Uses:Excellent as a natural privacy screen, windbreak, or large hedge. Ideal for drought-resistant landscaping, patios, and open gardens. Suitable for spacious container planting in commercial settings

Q: How do I prune a large ceanothus like this?
A: If necessary, prune immediately after flowering. Avoid cutting into old, leafless wood, as it may not resprout. To train as a tree, select 3-5 main trunks and remove lower branches over time.

Q: What's its lifespan?
A: Like many large ceanothus, its lifespan in ideal garden conditions is typically 10-15 years. It can become woody and open with age. Proper siting and avoiding overwatering can maximize its health and longevity.