Ceanothus Burkwoodii

£10.00

“Ceanothus x burkwoodii,” often referred to as “Burkwood’s Ceanothus” or “Burkwood’s Wild Lilac,” is a hybrid variety of Ceanothus that is popular in cultivation for its beautiful, fragrant flowers and attractive, dark green foliage. Delivery Notes and charges

 

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Description

GardenAdvice Notes

“Ceanothus x burkwoodii,” often referred to as “Burkwood’s Ceanothus” or “Burkwood’s Wild Lilac,” is a hybrid variety of Ceanothus that is popular in cultivation for its beautiful, fragrant flowers and attractive, dark green foliage.

It is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub that can grow up to 5-6 feet in height and spread 4-5 feet wide, forming a mounded shape. The leaves are small, glossy, and dark green, providing a year-round visual interest in the garden. They are generally oblong in shape with a rounded or slightly pointed tip and have a leathery texture.

Soil type-Ceanothus x burkwoodii, like most Ceanothus species, prefers well-drained soils. It can adapt to a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained.

While Ceanothus x burkwoodii is fairly adaptable, it tends to prefer soils that are on the lighter side (sandy or loamy) rather than heavy clay. The soil can range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.

Location- Ceanothus x burkwoodii is a hardy plant that is typically suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9. These zones correspond to regions where the average minimum winter temperature ranges from 0 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-17.8 to -1.1 degrees Celsius).

In terms of light exposure, Ceanothus x burkwoodii does best in full sun to partial shade. Full sun exposure will encourage the most prolific flowering, but the plant can also tolerate partially shaded conditions.

Pest and disease problems-Ceanothus x burkwoodii is generally a hardy plant with good resistance to many pests and diseases. However, like all plants, it’s not completely immune and can sometimes be affected by certain problems.

Pests:

Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can sometimes be found on the new growth of Ceanothus. They can cause distortion of the leaves and may also cause sooty mould due to the honeydew they secrete.

Scale insects: Like aphids, these also suck sap and can cause similar symptoms. They often appear as small bumps on the stems and undersides of leaves.

Diseases:

Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery growth on the leaves of the plant. It’s often encouraged by damp, humid conditions.

Root rot: This can occur if the plant is grown in poorly-drained soil or watered excessively. It can cause wilting, yellowing leaves, and eventual plant death.

In general, the best way to manage pests and diseases on Ceanothus x burkwoodii is through preventative measures. This includes planting in well-drained soil, watering correctly (Ceanothus species are drought-tolerant and typically don’t need a lot of water), and ensuring good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases.

Insect pests can often be controlled through natural predators (like ladybugs, for aphids) or, if necessary, through the use of insecticidal soaps or oils. Fungal diseases can be managed by removing affected plant parts and, in severe cases, using appropriate fungicides.

Keep in mind that the best solutions often depend on the specific conditions of your garden, so local extension services can often provide advice tailored to your specific situation.

Propagation-Ceanothus x burkwoodii can be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. Here’s a basic step-by-step process on how to do it:

Choose the Right Time: The best time to take cuttings is usually in late summer or early autumn, though some gardeners have success in the late spring.

Select a Stem: Look for a healthy, vigorous stem from the current season’s growth. The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long. The stem should be semi-ripe, which means it’s firm at the base but softer and greener at the tip.

Prepare the Cutting: Make a clean cut below a leaf node (where the leaf joins the stem). Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top couple of leaves.

Rooting Hormone: Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it can help encourage faster and more reliable rooting.

Plant the Cutting: Make a hole in a pot filled with a mix of half peat and half perlite or sand (or another well-draining medium). Place the cutting in the hole and firm the soil around it.

Care for the Cutting: Water the cutting and place a plastic bag or dome over the pot to maintain high humidity. Place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Check for Rooting: In a few weeks to a few months, the cutting should develop roots. You can check by giving a gentle tug on the cutting; if it resists, it has likely rooted.

Transplant: Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden, depending on the season and the size of the new plant.

Remember, propagation can be a bit of a trial and error process and not every cutting will necessarily take, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t have success with every single cutting.

Pruning, cutting back and dividing-Pruning for Ceanothus x burkwoodii is generally straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:

Timing: The best time to prune Ceanothus x burkwoodii is in late spring or early summer, right after the plant has finished flowering. Pruning at this time allows the plant to generate new growth, which will bear next year’s flowers.

Pruning: Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood first. Then, prune to maintain the desired shape and size. You can also remove some of the older wood to encourage new growth.

Avoid heavy pruning: Ceanothus species, including Ceanothus x burkwoodii, do not respond well to heavy, hard pruning into old wood. They do not have dormant buds beneath the bark of old wood, meaning they can’t generate new growth from these areas. If you need to reduce the size of the plant significantly, it’s better to do it gradually over a few years.

As for cutting back and dividing, Ceanothus x burkwoodii, like other shrub species, generally doesn’t need or respond well to these methods of propagation or rejuvenation.

Cutting back (or coppicing) is a method of hard pruning that some plants can handle, but it’s not recommended for Ceanothus due to the reasons mentioned above. Similarly, dividing (a method typically used for herbaceous perennials and some grasses) is not suitable for this plant due to its woody, shrub nature.

If your Ceanothus x burkwoodii is becoming too large or outgrowing its space, consider a gentle, gradual reduction in size over a few years, or if necessary, you may have to replace the plant. Always remember to consider the mature size of plants when planting to avoid having to prune heavily or remove them down the line.

Please note our plants in most instances are delivered by our own GardenAdvice expert gardeners. Our standard UK delivery charge is £25 or if you are a MyGardenTeam member delivery is free

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