Sad Ceanothus

I hope you can get an answer.
I'm leaving a comment so that I can follow the response from other members because I have several ceanothus bushes and would like to learn more about the care of them.
Thanks.

From an RHC article 'Trial of Ceanothus
Evergreen, May flowering 2004-2007
An Invited RHS Woody Plant Trial'
Ceanothus are generally short lived shrubs but can persist in a favoured position.
Have you tried semi-ripe cuttings? Do you think it would hang on until July/Aug for you to try again?
If all else fails look on it as a space for another gem in its place.

That makes me feel a lot better, Wagger! I wondered if it was something I had done, or not done. I'm not sure if it will hang on until later in the year. There are a few green branches - it wouldn't hurt to wait and see what happens later in the spring. It's worth a try.

Gee, I could have written this blog about my Ceanothus thyrsiflorus repens! Up to 2007 it was an absolute picture every spring - obviously elderly due to its size - 12' across and probably 8' high - and that's a prostrate Ceanothus???

Well one morning I looked across the garden and saw a gruesome sight. One half of it was brown all over. I did what you did - I sawed off the dead branches, fed it, and all seemed OK - for another year. Then last year some higher smaller branches went. I cut those off. The winter has killed a few smaller ones, so I am now left with possibly a third of the original one. I don't think it will last this year - but I do know that it is the age of the poor 'shrub' and that they are prone to dying suddenly.

I also know that I can't hold on to it by any means; feeding, spraying, etc would all be useless. It is just OLD!!! I have come to terms with it and when it has to come out - that will be a hUGE task! - well, it's an opportunity to grow something else...

Although not quite as large as yours Spritz, I had exactly the same experience as you. Seems that it is just they do well for a few years and then, just give up. Just like Wagger says.

Could some types of Ceanothus be longer-lived than others ? I wonder if any research has been done.

Ceanothus has a lifespan of 5-7 years although some may go on to 10 years if planted in a good position and in well drained soil. Looking at your photos the problem could be Verticillum Wilts to be sure I would say take a piece sealed in a plastic bag to your local garden centre to confirm if you don’t get any joy send me a PM

Thank you all for your help. I have had another close look at what is left of the plant. Every branch and shoot is affected and there is no new growth at all. There are no bugs etc visible and the only thing that has passed by underground is the manic mole but the main trunk of the plant is large so I don't think that can have caused any damage.

I think, like Spritz said, I will have to say a fond farewell and plan a replacement. I fancy a Mahonia for winter interest but nothing too large - suggestions on this would be appreciated too :)

My Ceanothus has lasted well over its allotted timespan, then - It was planted by our predecessors and could be anything up to 22 years old!

No, there's nothing untoward on mine either. It is just on its last legs - poor old thing I shall miss it. :-(

I'll have to ask for suggestions for a replacement, too. It has to drape over a drystone wall!

Gee - on the whole, Mahonias are shade shrubs. How much space have you got? My Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum' is absolutely beautiful - and it flowers for months...in the sun.

I think your Viburnum is lovely, Spritz, I do like variegated plants but I think it will grow too big for my spot which is just in front of my bedroom window. Something that grows about 1 metre high/wide would be great. It is a sunny spot so probably not ideal for the Mahonia.

What about one of the pretty Hebes you can get? There's a dark-leaved one called 'Caledonia' which has proved to be completely hardy! Pale mauve flowers.

Sorry to hear about your Ceanothus. I hope you can save it. They have lovely coloured flowers. I've just bought a dwarf one. I once had one with pink flowers aswell.

I'm sorry about your Ceanothus. Still, if it will not survive you can try a Mexican Orange (also evergreen with white, fragrant little flowers which can sweeten your mornings)