What kind of tree is this...?

JDxtra · 12-04-2007 7:08pm #1

Hi,

I'm wondering if anybody can help identify a tree at the end of my garden as it was here when I moved in. It never really sheds any leaves and it has purple flowers a lot of the time - but more so in the spring / summer.

I've no idea what attention it requires, so any pointers to identify it would be appreciated... Cheers!

Corkey123 · 12-04-2007 10:47pm

Can't see the intended graphic?

JDxtra · 13-04-2007 8:01am

MartinCorcoran wrote:

Can't see the intended graphic?

Ooops, sorry. You should be able to see them now.

crosstownk · 13-04-2007 8:57am

I'm not sure but it could be one of these > http://www.rhs.org.uk/rhsplantselector/plantdetail.aspx?plantid=44487

You can search plant types here > http://www.rhs.org.uk/rhsplantselector/default.aspx

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 13-04-2007 9:11am

For some reason I can't see the images but it does sound like a Ceanothus or Californian Lilac. It doesn't require any special attention but be careful about pruning as it will not grow back from pruning and can be left very bare as a result.

dr.bollocko · 13-04-2007 9:16am

It might be a mys-tree.
Ahaha
I love me.
Mys-tree? geddit? Huh?

I'll get my coat.

John Mason · 13-04-2007 9:38am

yeah looks like a Californian Lilac to me, i tried to grow one year but for some reason it died during the winter

JDxtra · 13-04-2007 9:48am

Cheers guys, much appreciated!!

yop · 13-04-2007 10:10am

lovely tree, is that a deep rooted tree lads and would it grow in relatively dry and well drained ground? It would look nice out the front of our house I think, or would I be daft!!!!

ScottishDanny · 13-04-2007 10:52am

irishbird wrote:

yeah looks like a Californian Lilac to me, i tried to grow one year but for some reason it died during the winter

All the leaves are brown - All the leaves are brown
And the sky is gray - And the sky is gray
I've been for a walk - I've been for a walk
On a winter's day - On a winter's day
I'd be safe and warm - I'd be safe and warm
If I was in L.A. - If I was in L.A.
California dreaming - California dreaming
On such a winter's day

Listen to Mama Cass (nice tree by the way)

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 13-04-2007 11:40am

yop wrote:

lovely tree, is that a deep rooted tree lads and would it grow in relatively dry and well drained ground? It would look nice out the front of our house I think, or would I be daft!!!!

It's more a large shrub than a tree. The roots are not particularly deep and the planting conditions are:
Soil:Alkaline or Neutral. Moist but well-drained or well-drained. Clay, Loam or Sand.

Aspect:East, West or South facing. Sheltered.

artieanna · 13-04-2007 11:09pm

Yes it's a Californian lilac or Ceanothus....And lucky you has beautiful one..Many fail because they are not very winter hardy, although some varieties are hardier than others. The deciduous (shed leaves in autumn) group are supposed to be hardier than the evergreen group, so you are particularly lucky.

Likes well drained soil in warm site (not exposed to wind frost)
Little or no pruning required for evergreen variety, if you want to trim it up a bit march is the time of year..
you can plant cuttings in summer if you want more plants..

What kind of tree is this...?

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