Ceanothus
Ceanothus or Californian Lilac
This plant attracts the following butterflies:
Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White
Images:
Ceanothus 'Gloire de Versailles' in full flower. 9 July 2003.
Gatekeeper on Ceanothus 'Gloire de Versailles'. July 2002.
notes:
I inherited an evergreen Ceanothus in the Cirencester garden. It appeared to attract Small White butterflies to the bright blue flowers in the Spring. A strong wind blew it down in 2000. That year I planted 2 of these shrubs. The evergreen 'elanor taylor' has not attracted butterflies but it is in a shady but sheltered, north-facing spot against a fence.
The deciduous 'Gloire de Versailles' attracted Gatekeepers in both this garden and in my previous garden in Wiltshire. It also attracted a Small Tortoiseshell in June 2003.
Reference Section
Plant Type: shrub
Originates from North America; finds the English winter rather too cold. Best on a sheltered south-facing wall.
Evergreen and deciduous varieties. 'Gloire de Versailles' is listed as deciduous.
Ceanothus 'elanor taylor' is evergreen.
Flowers in July-September for 'Gloire de Versailles', Spring for 'elanor taylor'
Height: variable - 'Gloire de Versailles' 1.5-3m (5-10ft); 'elanor taylor'
12ft
Pruning: early April for 'Gloire de Versailles'