Ceanothus

Though it has an unrivaled range of blue flowers and includes plants suitable for many gardening and landscaping situations, this North American native genus has long been underutilized. Its species range from Canada south through southern Mexico and from coast to coast, and there are forms from ground-hugging mats through shrubs to trees. A complete horticultural and botanical treatment of the genus aimed at both gardeners and botanists, this book finally gives Ceanothus — with so many plants that tolerate sun and shade, thrive in arid conditions, and bear a profusion of beautiful, fragrant flowers — the recognition it deserves.

Media reviews of this book:

"The authors of Ceanothus have achieved their goal of advancing the knowledge of the genus, creating a valuable resource for gardeners, landscapers, and botanists with an interest in this beautiful, versatile ... plant."

—Tom Karwin, Pacific Horticulture, July/August 2006

"If it is possible for one book to give this genus the recognition it deserves, then 'mission accomplished'."

—John Bagnasco, Garden Compass, May 2006

"This is the first book since the 1940s to explore the range of ceanothus available and all their planting possibilities. Written by a botanist and a nurseryman, it's a welcome combination of plant listings and information on how to successfully cultivate ceanothus."

—Valerie Easton, Seattle Times, February 15, 2006

"Clearly, this book is an invaluable guide when selecting a suitable Ceanothus for the garden."

—Judy Wigand, San Diego Union-Tribune, October 8, 2006

"I have frequently been asked, by those who have encountered Ceanothus in their travels, what species could they grow where they live and where could they obtain it. This book will provide the proper responses."

—Clifford L. Schmidt, Native Plants, Summer 2006

Customer reviews of this book:

"Beautiful photography and information that I needed to know. Great!"

—Anonymous from Oceanside, California, July 21, 2007

"A model of how horticultural information can be melded together with technical taxonomic information. It never condescends to its audience. I always knew you guys did a fine job of producing botany books with great color and authoritative content, but this time, you've outdone yourselves."

—Neil H. from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, November 13, 2006

"Very complete — all I need to know, plus!"

—Jeanine W. from Los Gatos, California, August 25, 2006

"A fabulous book — excellent photos and chock full of information."

—Laura W. from Los Angeles, California, June 19, 2006

"Awesome!"

—Chris S. from Windsor, California, April 11, 2006

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An excerpt from this book:

Ceanothus is best suited to gardens where conditions match or approach those of where the plants are found in the wild. In many of the native California habitats of Ceanothus there are a number of ecological similarities, whether plants grow on the coastal bluffs of Mendocino County, sandstone ridges of the Santa Lucia Range, or brushy slopes above the San Gabriel Valley. In all these sites, the soils drain well and the summers are dry. Ceanothus grows in a range of soil types but often is found on steep slopes in soils with low or marginal fertility. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are found in nodules on their wide-spreading roots, helping the plants adapt to dry, nutrient-poor conditions ...

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