Ceanothus x delileanus 'Gloire de Versailles'

Evergreen ceanothus species and varieties require climates with some winter protection, while deciduous hybrids such as C. x delilianus do not. 'Gloire de Versaille' is a French hybrid of ceanothus: a cross between C. americanus, native of Missouri, excellent in hardiness, and C. caeruleus, a Mexican species with pale blue flowers. The result is a hardy deciduous shrub with a profusion of small panicles composed of powder-blue flowers in summer and early fall. It has broadly ovate leaves, medium green and silvery gray below. It grows rapidly, for abundant flowering and a beautiful harmonious shape it should be pruned low every year in spring after the frosts, leaving only 10-20% of the previous year's growth . It resists drought, sun and heat. Resistant to about -25°C.