Ceanothus Thyrsiflorus Millerton Point Californian Lilac

Ceanothus Thyrsiflorus Millerton Point, also known as Californian Lilac Millerton Point, is a vigorous evergreen shrub with bright structure, glossy foliage, and unusually for Ceanothus, a white flower colour. Unlike many Ceanothus varieties grown in the UK for rich blue blooms, Millerton Point produces soft creamy white flower clusters that lift borders and warm walls in late spring and early summer. With its RHS AGM and Perfect for Pollinators status, this Ceanothus variety is a standout choice for wildlife-friendly planting, coastal gardens, and sheltered sunny positions where Californian Lilac Millerton Point thrives and performs at its best.

Ceanothus Millerton Point forms a mid-sized, bushy evergreen shrub with gracefully arching branches that create a full, rounded outline. Its small, glossy leaves emerge a fresh, bright green and hold their colour well throughout the year, giving consistent structure even in winter when many shrubs fade. In late spring and early summer, Ceanothus Millerton Point becomes studded with tight clusters of tiny creamy white flowers, which read as light and airy from a distance but feel richly detailed up close. The bloom colour is a particular feature of this selection, as most Californian Lilac types grown in the UK are chosen for blue flowering forms, making Californian Lilac Millerton Point an unusual and valuable alternative for softer colour palettes. As part of a genus that includes around 55 species of shrubs and small trees native to North and Central America, Ceanothus Thyrsiflorus Millerton Point has the tough, sun-loving character that suits coastal situations and dry, sheltered sites. Its pale flowers and glossy foliage pair beautifully with Mediterranean-style planting, sitting naturally alongside lavender, cistus, and rosemary for a breezy, sun-warmed border.

Height and Spread of Ceanothus Thyrsiflorus Millerton Point: 

Ceanothus Millerton Point typically reaches around 1.8 m in height and spread, forming a vigorous, well-branched shrub with an open, arching habit. Given the right conditions, Millerton Point fills out quickly into a generous mound that is ideal for adding evergreen bulk without heaviness. Californian Lilac Millerton Point works particularly well where its natural width can be appreciated, either as a single specimen or as part of a sunny mixed planting.

How Hardy is Ceanothus Thyrsiflorus Millerton Point?

Millerton Point is best suited to mild and sheltered UK gardens, as it prefers warmth, light, and protection from cold winds. It grows most successfully in well-drained soil, especially where drainage remains reliable through winter, and it performs best in full sun where flowering and foliage density are strongest. It can struggle in heavy, waterlogged ground, so improving the planting area with grit or organic matter is often beneficial. Once established, it is relatively tolerant of dry spells, making it a useful option for sunny borders, wall-side planting, and coastal gardens where conditions can be challenging.

Uses in Garden and Landscape:

Millerton Point is an excellent choice for sunny walls, sheltered courtyards, and coastal gardens where an evergreen shrub with a softer flower colour is needed. It works beautifully as a specimen in a mixed shrub border, where its creamy bloom clusters lighten deeper greens and provide a fresh seasonal highlight in late spring. It also suits informal screening in mild gardens, as Ceanothus Millerton Point develops a naturally full shape that adds privacy and structure without feeling rigid. With its RHS Perfect for Pollinators recognition, Ceanothus Thyrsiflorus Millerton Point is particularly valuable in wildlife-friendly planting, offering nectar-rich flowers when many shrubs are just beginning to come into their stride.
 

To create contrasting flower colour, you can pair Millerton Point with other Ceanothus varieties such as Ceanothus Concha and / or Ceanothus Yankee Point. You could also consider pairing with the pink-flowering Ceanothus Pallidus Marie Simon. 

Care Tips:

Plant Ceanothus Thyrsiflorus Millerton Point in spring or early autumn so it can establish before severe cold, choosing a sunny, sheltered position with free-draining soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots settle, then reduce watering once the shrub is established, as itt copes better with slight dryness than with saturated ground. Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertiliser to support healthy foliage and flowering, avoiding excessive feeding that can encourage soft growth. Prune gently after flowering by trimming back lightly to keep its arching shape neat, as harder cutting into old wood can reduce regrowth and flowering. A mulch of compost or well-rotted organic matter in spring helps conserve moisture, improves soil structure, and supports consistent performance year after year.