Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. griseus
Yankee Point

‘Yankee Point’ is the California lilac that thinks horizontally. Instead of becoming a tall screen, it builds a broad, undulating carpet of glossy evergreen foliage, typically 2–3 feet tall and capable of spreading 6–12 feet. In spring, that rich green surface nearly disappears beneath masses of soft powder-blue flowers. It is handsome, useful, and very much not a plant for a tiny gap.

This coastal California native is a splendid choice for slopes, banks, broad dry borders, and large native plantings where its spreading habit can suppress weeds and knit the landscape together. The flowers hum with bees and other beneficial insects, while the evergreen leaves provide structure all year. Pair it with manzanitas, sages, buckwheats, California poppies, and native grasses for layered foliage and a long season of habitat value.

Plant in sun near the coast or give some afternoon relief in hotter inland gardens. Excellent drainage is essential. Water regularly during the first year, then reduce summer irrigation as the plant establishes; frequent warm-season watering and heavy soil can shorten the life of a ceanothus. Choose its mature space carefully because established plants resent hard pruning and root disturbance. See more blue-flowered native workhorses in our Ceanothus collection.

We guarantee that the plants we sell are healthy and viable at the time they leave our care.

If a plant arrives in substandard condition, please take clear photographs and contact us within 48 hours of delivery. To ensure eligibility under this guarantee, we strongly encourage you to open and unpack your shipment immediately upon delivery and inspect the plants thoroughly.

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$14.99 flat rate for up to 6 plants is for standard FedEx/UPS Ground shipping to eligible states only. $19.99 for up to 12 plants. Plants being shipped to the following states are sent via Express Mail to help ensure they arrive quickly and healthy. 

(AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IN, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV)
(list of states subject to change seasonally due to extreme heat or cold conditions)

We cannot ship Annie's Annuals plants to P.O. boxes or outside the continental U.S.

Individual plants are shipped in 4" pots and we ship in boxes of 4, 6, 8, or 12 plants per box.

For more details, read our full Ordering and Shipping Policies

Get your plants off to a strong start with our care guide.

Download the Plant Care Guide (PDF)