Ceanothus americanus: New Jersey Tea for Poor Soils

Ceanothus americanus – Native Shrub for Tough Conditions

Mountain sweet is a low, broad, compact deciduous shrub with dark green irregularly toothed leaves and profuse white flowers in 1–2 inch terminal clusters. Tolerates poor growing conditions. Native to eastern U.S.

Culture

Ideally full sun, fertile well-drained soil. Relatively lime-tolerant. Expect 5–10 year lifespan. Prune early spring, mulch, balanced fertilizer. Propagate by greenwood cuttings mid-late summer. Pests: dieback, powdery mildew, root rot, fungal leaf spots, Verticillium wilt; caterpillars, scale, lacebug, mealybugs.

Key Facts

• Height/Spread: 3–6 ft.
• Light: Full sun
• Moisture: Dry to medium
• Bloom: Early summer to summer (white)
• Features: Native, tolerates poor soil