Later fLowering varieties

While most forms of ceanothus available in the UK are evergreen, some, such as ‘Gloire de Versailles’ and ‘Marie Simon’, will shed their leaves in winter. These flower later in the year, in July or August. Quite different from the evergreen forms, ‘Gloire de Versailles’ has broader leaves and light, powder-blue scented flowers. ‘Marie Simon’ is also very different, with loose, fluffy pale pink flowerheads like candy floss. These deciduous ceanothus are more tolerant of exposure to strong winds. Spring flowering ceanothus are usually evergreen, although ‘Autumnal Blue’ produces a show of lilac flowers in August and September and grows up to 10ft (4m) in height.