The Size of a Valley Violet Ceanothus

Valley Violet Identification

• Valley violet is an evergreen shrub that produces clusters of dark violet flowers in spring. Flowers attract many beneficial insects that act as pollinators for various plants. All species of Ceanothus have a unique leaf structure, growing ovate leaves with serrated edges that have three prominent parallel veins running from the base of the leaf to the outer margins. The 1/2-inch leaves are blue-green to grayish, and usually white or gray underneath.

Size Variations

• While valley violet only grows to 3 feet tall, actual size can vary by cultivars. For instance, "Popcorn" (Ceanothus maritimus "Popcorn") is a low-growing shrub of up to 3 feet tall, but has a smaller spread of only 6 feet. "Popcorn" blooms in spring and produces white flower clusters. It is often grown as a ground cover in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. This cultivar has a moderate growth rate and mounding growth habit that needs little maintenance. Like valley violet, "Popcorn" is drought tolerant once the plant develops its extensive root system.

Care

• Valley violet requires full sun to partial shade in warmer regions and an area with fast-draining soil. Plants only require one or two waterings per month, but watering should be deep. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Valley violet requires little to no pruning; however, you can prune after flowering to maintain shape. Aphids and whiteflies are the most common insect pests for valley violet, but rarely cause damage or problems.

Landscape Uses

• Because of its low-growing habit, valley violet makes an excellent small hedge or ground cover. Valley violet is often used in place of non-native plants, as Ceanothus species are deemed the West Coast counterpart of the eastern Lilac. However, the flowering period of these plants exceeds that of lilac and their range of flowering times are greater. While valley violet blooms in spring, other plants such as New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus), hardy to USDA plant zone 9, blooms in summer, and others bloom in winter.