Snowball Ceanothus
Ceanothus rigidus 'Snowball'
Care
full sun
very low
Fast, Medium, Slow; Adaptable.
4–6ft tall , 5–15ft wide
Jan-Dec
Evergreen
Resistant
Friendly
Yes
Prized
Supports up to 120 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California
Coastal scrub from Sonoma to Mendocino counties, below 1000 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Snowball Ceanothus in full sun with fast-draining soil - it's adaptable to various soil types but absolutely needs good drainage to thrive. Space it 8 feet apart if planting multiples, as this cultivar grows 4–5 feet tall and spreads to 8 feet wide. The best time to plant is in fall or early winter to establish roots before the dry season. This native shrub is cold-hardy to 15–25°F, so it's well-suited to Bay Area winters.
After Planting
Water weekly during your first summer, then taper to once monthly by fall once the plant is established. After that, you can cut back to nearly nothing - mature Ceanothus rigidus needs maximum 1 watering per month in summer and essentially no supplemental water otherwise. The #1 mistake people make is overwatering: this California native evolved in dry conditions and will decline or die if kept wet. Prune lightly after flowering (late winter/spring) to maintain its dense, arching form, but this tough shrub is low-maintenance and will reward your restraint.
Visit Calscape for more information about Snowball Ceanothus
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Brush rabbit is a Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Early season nectar source during spring flowering period
Known fungal pathogen; affects plant health and spore dispersal timing
Adult flies visit flowers for nectar; larvae predatory on aphids
Birds
Seeds consumed in autumn as food source
Dense shrub structure provides nesting and roosting habitat
Mammals
Browse on young shoots and foliage; shelter in dense growth