SafePlants

Ceanothus x pallidus 'Marie Simon'

Ceanothus x pallidus 'Marie Simon' is a popular hybrid Ceanothus, known for its attractive pink flowers and adaptability.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a shrub and might be accessible to pets in a garden setting.
• The text mentions pruning, which might result in discarded plant material that pets could potentially ingest.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is a shrub and might be accessible to children in a garden setting.
• The text mentions pruning, which might result in discarded plant material that children could potentially interact with.

Common Names

• Ceanothus
• Marie Simon Pale Wild Lilac
• Pale Wild Lilac
• Californian Lilac 'Marie Simon'
• Marie Simon Ceanothus
• Pink Californian Lilac

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ceanothus x pallidus 'Marie Simon'
• Family: Rhamnaceae
• Ceanothus x pallidus is a hybrid, allegedly resulting from the crossing of x delilianus with Ceanothus ovatus.

Distribution and Habitat

• This plant is a hybrid with parentage from both East Coast and West Coast species.
• One parent, Ceanothus ovatus, is an eastern species.
• The text mentions it being from California.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It's a semi-deciduous shrub.
• It typically grows to a moderate size, reaching about 3-6 feet in height and 3-5 feet wide.
• It features long-blooming, large, billowy pink flower clusters from late spring to mid-summer.
• Maroon-red stems are present.
• Leaves are broad, oval, shiny, lustrous, and dark.
• Forms terminal panicles of 6cm.
• Some varieties produce dark red seed heads.

Ecological Role

• The plant is nitrogen-fixing.
• It attracts various types of wildlife.

Cultivation

• It's easy-going, cold-hardy, and adaptable.
• It tolerates both clay and poor soil.
• It thrives in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun.
• It tolerates some afternoon shade, especially in hot climates.
• It is drought-tolerant.

Quirky Facts

• The heritage of Ceanothus x pallidus 'Marie Simon' is uncertain, but it's described as having a "flirty" reputation.
• One source describes the flowers as "soft fuzzy misty blue" even though the plant is known for its pink flowers.

Further Information

• Digging Dog Mail Order Nursery offers Ceanothus x pallidus 'Marie Simon'.
• The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information on Ceanothus pallidus 'Marie Simon'.
• Rutgers Gardens obtained a new Ceanothus specimen.
• Additional media can be found on Wikimedia Commons.