any ideas please?

Hi Mookins
That looks like some kind of Ceanothus, just with the leave shape and colour. There are loads of varieties and some are small and slow growing depending on where they are.

I think that's an evergreen Ceonothus, California lilac. I've just planted one near my front door. It has the most divine smelling blue flowers each summer. I'm not 100% on the California bit. Mine is "Italian skies". Perhaps another goy'er can confirm.

This plant usually last about 10 years btw, or in a climbing form anyway. The bees love this plant, you'll be pleased to know!

Ha Reebeesfleurs, we posted at the same time!

Yep. Ceanothus.

I got a freebie from the garden centre this year, but don't know what type it is. Previously I've had one that grew upwards and quite large too. Lovely plants.

It looks like C. thyrsiflorus var.repens - it will stay close to the ground!

thank you very much, am very pleased with the answers, none of the names rings any bells from when I bought it but am very glad that its good for Bees am trying to get lots Bee friendly plants in my gardens

thanks again everyone

x x x

Mookins, I've just written a blog on plants for bees, if you'd like to read it?

Hehe Craftnutter, great minds ey? I think I've actually got one of these if it's the repens. I love these plants, all of them are gorgeous. My mum had one that grew into a large tree and when it was blossoming, wow, it was a blue carpet canopy, just amazing. I've loved them ever since but still don't know what sort hers was. It died for some reason but maybe is like you say Craftnutter 10 years is how long they usually live then that would be about right for it.