Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'El Dorado'
Common name: 
El Dorado Ceanothus
El Dordado California Lilac
Pronunciation: 
see-a-NO-thus thurs-i-FLO-rus
Family: 
Rhamnaceae
Genus: 
Ceanothus
Synonyms: 
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. thyrsiflorus 'El Dorado'
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus `Perado`
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
Yes
  • Broadleaf evergreen shrub, upright, to 8 ft (2.4 m), similar width.  Leaves variegated, irregular yellow margin and green center, to 2.5 cm long.  Flowers medium blue, in early summer (May-June).
  • Sun to partial shade, best if protected from hot afternoon sun.  Needs good drainage
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 7    This selection was discovered in August 1996 at Pershoe College of Horticulture, England.  It was a single naturally occurring branch sport on a plant of Ceanothus thyrsiflorus `Zanzibar` amongst a large crop being grown for retail sales.   Dave Fross of Native Sons, Arroyo Grande, California, named this selection ‘El Dorado’, which translates as “golden treasure”.  U.S. Patent PP13,433, Dec. 31, 2002.
  • Silverton, Oregon: The Oregon Garden
Click image to enlarge
  • plant habit, flowering

    plant habit, flowering

  • leaves and flower cluster

    leaves and flower cluster