I suppose it depends how you view gardening. Do you want everything to be there forever, or do you like to make a few changes occasionally? Ceanothus might be a bit tender but you have to look at Wintersong's to think maybe it's worth a gamble. On the other hand, yes hedges you might want to be forever.
My evergreen Cs have all succumbed over the years, but my one deciduous C. thrives and it is in a very challenging position, close to the garage wall in heavy shade. Everyone planted them 20 years ago, very fashionable, but not sure they would be high on my list now if starting over.
How long does a dead ceanothus last standing? My neighbour to the rear of me had a huge ceanothus give up the mortal coil a couple of years ago. Rather than have it cut down or take out the dead plant she planted a jasmine under it to climb up and thru. Now the jasmine has gone completely rampant, with tendrils trying to spiral around the shrubs and trees in my garden, and blocking out loads of sunlight in the process. It would probably look nice, but the jasmine, apart from throwing out masses of green growth doesn't seem to flower. I'm hoping at some point the ceanothus underneath it will rot and topple over taking the jasmine with it, although not sure how long that will take.
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I suppose it depends how you view gardening. Do you want everything to be there forever, or do you like to make a few changes occasionally? Ceanothus might be a bit tender but you have to look at Wintersong's to think maybe it's worth a gamble. On the other hand, yes hedges you might want to be forever.
My evergreen Cs have all succumbed over the years, but my one deciduous C. thrives and it is in a very challenging position, close to the garage wall in heavy shade. Everyone planted them 20 years ago, very fashionable, but not sure they would be high on my list now if starting over.
They still would be for me as they attract so many bees.
How long does a dead ceanothus last standing? My neighbour to the rear of me had a huge ceanothus give up the mortal coil a couple of years ago. Rather than have it cut down or take out the dead plant she planted a jasmine under it to climb up and thru. Now the jasmine has gone completely rampant, with tendrils trying to spiral around the shrubs and trees in my garden, and blocking out loads of sunlight in the process. It would probably look nice, but the jasmine, apart from throwing out masses of green growth doesn't seem to flower. I'm hoping at some point the ceanothus underneath it will rot and topple over taking the jasmine with it, although not sure how long that will take.
Thanks everyone. much appreciated. think its time to say goodbye!