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Genus Ceanothus species of shrubs or small trees in the buckthorn family Rhamnaceae

Ceanothus Azureus — This species, though not hardy enough for every situation, is yet sufficiently so to stand unharmed as a wall plant. It grows from ten feet to twelve feet high, with deep-green leaves that are hoary on the under sides. The flowers, which are borne in large, axillary panicles, are bright blue, and produced in June and the following months.

In a light, dry soil and sunny position this shrub does well as a wall plant, for which purpose it is one of the most ornamental. There are several good nursery forms, of which the following are amongst the best: Ceanothus azureus Albert Pettitt, Ceanothus azureus albidus, Ceanothus azureus Arnddii, one of the best, Ceanothus azureus Gloire de Versailles, and Ceanothus azureus Marie Simon.

Ceanothus Americanus — New Jersey Tea. A shrub of four feet in height, with deep green serrated leaves, that are two inches long and pubescent on the under sides. Flowers white, in axillary panicles, and produced in great abundance. This is one of the hardiest species, but succeeds best when afforded wall protection.

Ceanothus Dentatus — With deeply-toothed, shining-green leaves, and deep blue, abundantly-produced flowers, this is a well-known wall plant that succeeds in many parts of the country, particularly within the influence of the sea. It commences flowering in May, and frequently continues until frosts set in. It is a very desirable species, that in favoured situations will grow to fully ten feet high, and with a spread laterally of nearly the same dimensions.

Ceanothus Cuneatus — This is another half-hardy species that requires wall protection, which may also be said of Ceanothus Veitchianus, one of the most beautiful of the family, with dense clusters of rich blue flowers and a neat habit of growth.

Ceanothus Rigidus — A Californian species, is of upright, stiff growth, a sub-evergreen, with deep purple flowers produced in April and May.

Ceanothus Papillosus — This is a straggling bush, with small, blunt leaves, and panicles of pale blue flowers on long footstalks. A native of California and requiring wall protection.

There are other less hardy kinds, including Ceanothus floribundus, Ceanothus integerrimus, Ceanothus velutinus, and Ceanothus divaricatus.