Ceanothus delilianus 'Gloire de Versailles' | 10 Litre Pot | 60cm - 80cm Height

Price range: £29.48 through £38.92

Common Names

  • Californian Lilac

Ceanothus delilianus ‘Gloire de Versailles’ is a stunning deciduous shrub, often called Californian Lilac. It produces abundant, sky-blue flowers from early summer into autumn. This plant attracts bees and butterflies, bringing vibrant colour and life to your UK garden.

42 in stock

£38.92
1 – 2 pieces
£34.20 (12% off)
3 – 4 pieces
£31.37 (19% off)
5 – 9 pieces
£29.48 (24% off)
10 – 42 pieces
1
Ceanothus delilianus 'Gloire de Versailles'
£38.92

Ceanothus delilianus ‘Gloire de Versailles’ is a stunning deciduous shrub, bringing abundant, fluffy clusters of sky-blue flowers to UK gardens.

This beautiful cultivar, often known as Californian Lilac, offers a magnificent display from early summer right through to autumn. Its vibrant blooms create a visual spectacle, drawing the eye and adding a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. Indeed, its hardiness and charming appearance make it a favoured choice for many gardeners, eager to infuse their borders with continuous colour. Consequently, it establishes itself as a truly rewarding plant.

Key Features of Ceanothus ‘Gloire de Versailles’

  • Vibrant Sky-Blue Flowers: Produces prolific, airy clusters of azure blooms.
  • Extended Flowering Season: Enjoy flowers from June well into autumn.
  • Attracts Pollinators: A magnet for bees and butterflies, boosting garden biodiversity.
  • Deciduous Foliage: Sheds leaves in winter, revealing an elegant woody structure.
  • Robust and Vigorous: Establishes quickly and grows with ease, a fast-growing shrub.

The Charm of Ceanothus delilianus ‘Gloire de Versailles’

Ceanothus delilianus ‘Gloire de Versailles’ develops into a medium-sized, spreading shrub. Its oval, bright green leaves feature lightly serrated edges, offering a fresh backdrop to the showy flowers. Furthermore, the foliage typically offers a subtle lustre. This plant truly shines when its flower buds open.

A Name Rooted in History

The genus name ‘Ceanothus’ originates from a Greek term, possibly referring to a spiny plant, although many species lack this characteristic. The specific epithet ‘delilianus’ honours the French botanist Antoine Delile. ‘Gloire de Versailles’ translates to ‘Glory of Versailles’, a fitting name for such a splendid cultivar, indeed suggesting its elegant French heritage and majestic appeal.

Transforming Your UK Garden

This Californian Lilac is incredibly versatile within UK garden designs. Many gardeners position it at the back of a mixed border, where its height and spread provide an impressive backdrop. Alternatively, it works wonderfully as a standalone specimen, allowing its natural beauty to command attention. Moreover, its fast growth means it quickly fills empty spaces. It can also be trained against a sunny wall, offering a delightful vertical display. Its vibrant blue hues contrast beautifully with many other garden plants.

Maintaining Its Splendour

Ceanothus delilianus ‘Gloire de Versailles’ benefits from light pruning. After its main flush of flowers finishes, usually in late summer, gardeners can trim back spent flower stems. This practice encourages new growth and often prompts a further, smaller bloom later in the season. Consequently, the plant maintains a tidy shape and a healthy vigour. Regular pruning also helps to prevent it from becoming too leggy, ensuring a denser, more floriferous display year after year.

A Haven for Wildlife

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Ceanothus delilianus ‘Gloire de Versailles’ plays an important role in supporting local wildlife. Its abundant flowers provide a rich source of nectar and pollen. As a result, countless bees and butterflies flock to its blooms, bringing life and movement to your garden. This makes the Californian Lilac an excellent choice for anyone aiming to create a biodiverse and environmentally friendly outdoor space. Indeed, it contributes positively to ecological balance.

Max Height 3.00 at maturity
Max Spread 3.00 at maturity
Growth Rate Fast
Fast-growing
Position
Full Sun Partial Sun
Soil Type
Loam Sandy Chalk
H4 H4 – Hardy through most of UK

Hardy across most of the UK except particularly exposed or cold regions.

−25°C +15°C
Typical minimum: -10°C to -5°C

Care Notes

Plant Ceanothus delilianus 'Gloire de Versailles' in well-drained soil and a sheltered, sunny position. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in its first year. After the main flowering flush in late summer, prune back spent flower stems to maintain shape and encourage new growth for the following season. Protect from harsh winter winds in colder regions by planting in a sheltered spot or providing winter protection for young plants.

Important Note

This plant is deciduous so it will lose all of its leaves in the autumn and get fresh new foliage each spring.