Silver Surprise Californian Lilac Plants

• Variety: Silver Surprise Californian Lilac, a variegated evergreen
• Latin name: Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis 'Silver Surprise'
• Type: Compact evergreen shrub
• Flowers: Clusters of small, rich blue flowers in spring
• Foliage: Cream and green variegated, evergreen
• Height: 0.5 to 1m (20 to 40in)
• Best soil and site: Fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, sheltered from strong, cold winds. A south or west facing wall or bank suits it. Thin soil over chalk is the one to avoid
• Pruning: Lightly, after flowering
• Hardiness: H4, hardy through an average winter with shelter
• RHS Award of Garden Merit: No
• Wildlife: Ceanothus are on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list
• Sold as: Pot-grown in a 3 litre pot
• Delivered: Pot-grown, all year when in stock. Collection from Castle Cary also available

Silver Surprise is a compact variegated evergreen ceanothus of 0.5 to 1m, with cream and green leaves and clusters of small, rich blue flowers in spring. The RHS rates it H4, so it wants a sunny, sheltered spot, and a wall helps.

Silver Surprise Californian Lilac: Cream Leaves, Blue Spring Flowers

Most ceanothus keep their show for spring and spend the rest of the year as plain green shrubs. Silver Surprise gives you the leaves as well: vivid cream and green, evergreen, like a smooth version of a silver-edged holly. In spring, small clusters of rich blue flowers cover it.

It began as a sport (one mutant branch) of Yankee Point, found by Pete Brandt. The parent is the more vigorous plant and has plain green leaves.

Give it full sun, fertile well-drained soil and shelter. A south or west facing wall or a bank suits it, and a bank also drains. Ceanothus carry nitrogen-fixing nodules on their roots, so skip the feed. Prune lightly after flowering to keep the shape. It is not suitable for clipped hedging.

What It Needs in Winter

The RHS rates Silver Surprise H4, so an average winter will not kill it. What cold, drying winds do is scorch the leaves, and the leaves are the reason to grow it. A wall or a sheltered corner keeps them looking good through winter.

Planting Companions

The blue spring flowers make a backdrop for a pink hebe such as Strawberries and Cream, which flowers later in the same sunny, free-draining ground. White Dazzler Choisya is the other small plant for a sheltered corner. For a dry, sunny border, add lavender.

Why Ashridge?

Ashridge Nurseries has sold plants since 1949 and is a Which? Best Plant Supplier 2025. Your ceanothus is grown for us by specialist growers, neonicotinoid-free, and arrives pot-grown all year round. Browse more Californian lilacs, then ring us in Somerset with any question.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I prune Silver Surprise?

Lightly, after flowering, to keep the shape. It needs very little.

How big does Silver Surprise grow?

The RHS gives 0.5 to 1m (20 to 40in) in height. It is one of the smaller ceanothus we sell.

Is Silver Surprise hardy?

The RHS rates it H4, which means hardy through an average winter, with shelter from strong, cold winds. A south or west facing wall suits it, and the leaves stay in better condition there.

Where should I plant Silver Surprise?

In full sun, in fertile, well-drained soil, sheltered from cold winds. A wall or a bank works well, because both drain.

Will Silver Surprise grow on chalk?

It tolerates lime, but a thin layer of soil over chalk is the real problem. Choose a spot with fertile, well-drained soil.

Should I feed a ceanothus?

No. Ceanothus carry nitrogen-fixing nodules on their roots, and the RHS gives no feeding advice for them.

Are ceanothus good for bees?

Yes. The RHS lists Ceanothus on its Plants for Pollinators list.