Companion plants for potted Ceanothus lilac

[nightofjoy]

We have an area of yard that serves no purpose, but the corner is all we can see from the kitchen sink window of our flat, so we thought we'd stick a large potted plant there to brighten up the view when we're doing the dishes.

We chose a California Lilac bush, which is currently about 3 feet tall, fairly woody and bare at the base.

The pot we've chosen is massive, and I was wondering could anyone suggest some companion plants to put around the base?

It will need to be very easy maintenance and ideally provide lots of summer colour year on year, only growing to 12" - 18" in height. We thought oranges and yellows would look nice. Needs to be commonly available, and non-toxic to pets.

Thanks in advance.

[David E. Ross]

Ceanothus prefers to be somewhat dry. You will kill it if you keep the soil in the pot constantly moist. Thus, you should choose succulents or other drought-tolerant companion plants.

Also note that Ceanothus is not a long-lived plant. Even with the best care, it might not live more than 5-10 years.

[nightofjoy]

Hi. Thanks for the response. We're aware of the lifespan but figured this was fine for a pot.

Several sources over here describe them as easy-care, being happy in soil which isn't waterlogged, so I'm hoping we can find other plants for the pot without restricting ourselves to succulents...

If anybody here in the UK can suggest some suitable plants, that would be great...

[penmart01]

Often mounting a large mirror on a fence will expand the view from your window.

I suggest inquiring at a local plant nursery, they would know best which plants will do well in your location. Does the UK have something similar to the Agricultural Cooperative Extension in the US, they should be able to direct you.

[Boron]

Try marigolds. Really, unless you are going to do something rash, neither flowers nor ceanothus will suffer.

[Jeff Layman]

I've heard that "fact" stated many times. I'd really like to see a scientific study which confirms it, but doubt that such a thing exists. As you say, overwatering, especially in summer, will do no good at all. But I expect that is true of many plants adapted to a dry summer climate, not just ceanothus. I Googled "ceanothus" and "lifespan", and in the first few pages found hits stating 8 - 10 years, 10 - 15 years,

15 - 25 years, and even >50 years!

I'd be more worried about rapid growth in a container than the plant dying early. I hope the OP didn't buy C. arborescens! Mine increased from 4 ft high and 2 ft wide to 12 ft high and wide in barely 3 years. And I'd cut it back somewhat after two years to keep it under control!

Anyway, if the OP wants something which will grow under the same conditions as ceanothus in a container he could do a lot worse than dwarf cistus/helianthemum in various colours. Or maybe oregano/thyme, maybe in different leaf colours, if he wants some herbs to cut.

[nightofjoy]

Thanks to everyone for chipping in, plenty to think about!