← Back to results

Nipomo Mesa Ceanothus

Ceanothus impressus var. nipomensis

shrub View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

very low

Soil

Fast, Medium; Sandstone or sandy soil.

Size

4–6ft tall , 4–6ft wide

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Foliage

Evergreen

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Fragrant

Yes

Flowers

Prized

Keystone Plant

Supports up to 120 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California

Native Range

Endemic to Nipomo Mesa in San Luis Obispo County, below 1000 ft in coastal sage scrub and chaparral.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Nipomo Mesa Ceanothus in full sun with fast-draining, sandy soil - this is non-negotiable for success in the Bay Area. Space it 4–6 feet apart if you're creating a hedge. Fall or early winter is ideal for planting so the plant can establish before summer heat arrives. This native thrives in our coastal climate, but won't survive hot inland valleys, so verify your location has marine influence before committing.

After Planting

Water twice monthly once established, then stop - this plant dies from overwatering, not drought. Year one is critical: keep soil moist (not wet) through the first summer to help roots develop, then dramatically reduce water by fall. Prune lightly after flowering ends in spring if you want to shape it as a hedge; otherwise let it grow naturally. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is giving it too much summer water out of habit - resist that urge entirely.

Visit Calscape for more information about Nipomo Mesa Ceanothus