California Lilac Julia Phelps A lovely, richly-coloured California lilac for very mild gardens, Ceanothus Julia Phelps is a medium-sized, evergreen shrub with a rounded habit. The deep green leaves are small, oblong to ovate, and finely toothed. In May and June, the shrub bears reddish-purple buds which open into dense, rounded clusters of deep violet flowers. California lilac Julia Phelps is drought tolerant once established – indeed, it is best kept dry in summer – and it needs a warm, sheltered, frost-free position. Site: ShelteredSoil: Light, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soilPosition: Full sunSeason of interest: Late spring and early summer in particularHardiness: Borderline hardyHeight: 6.6” (2m) Spread: 8’ (2.5m)