Californian blue lilac | This Californian lilac is an outstanding introduction from New Zealand. In the warmer days of late spring it blooms with profusion of dense panicles of deep blue flowers. Leaves are short, obovate, dark green with reddish brown tint. Branches are chocolate brown, fragile and thin. It needs slightly acidic soil, rich in organic material, moist.

In our climate (zone 6) you can grow it at south-facing wall of a heated house provided you protect it with fir branches or fleece for days colder than -15°C. The safest way to grow this small shrub, however, is to overwinter it in frost-free place with enough sunlight.