Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. griseus 'Diamond Heights' (1 Gallon) Mountain Lilac

About this item:

Diamond Heights Mountain Lilac (Ceanothus ‘Diamond Heights’) is a distinctive, low-growing California native selection prized for its striking variegated foliage and spreading habit. Its bright chartreuse leaves are splashed with dark green, creating a vibrant display of color and texture throughout the garden. The foliage is most vivid in warm weather and full sun, while cooler winter conditions and heavier shade tend to bring out more green tones.

This evergreen shrub typically grows 6–12 inches tall and spreads 3–6 feet wide, forming a dense, prostrate carpet of foliage. In spring, delicate clusters of light blue flowers emerge, adding a soft splash of color to its already eye-catching leaves. With its graceful, spreading growth, Diamond Heights Mountain Lilac is especially effective cascading over walls, filling borders, or covering open ground.

Landscape Uses: An excellent choice for groundcover, bank stabilization, containers, shady borders, and planting along retaining walls. It can also perform well in dry shade beneath established native oaks when site conditions are suitable. Its colorful foliage pairs beautifully with California native plants such as Blue-Eyed Grass and Coffeeberry.

Growing Notes: Diamond Heights Mountain Lilac prefers well-drained, sandy, or coarse-textured soils. In coastal gardens, plant it in full sun for the brightest foliage. In hotter inland areas, partial shade or filtered light helps protect the plant from intense heat. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation. Remove any stems that develop entirely green leaves to maintain the plant’s attractive variegation. It is also frost hardy to approximately 2°F.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Ceanothus ‘Diamond Heights’
• Older Botanical Name: Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis
• Common Name: Diamond Heights Mountain Lilac
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Mature Height: 6–12 inches
• Mature Width: 3–6 feet
• Growth Form: Prostrate, spreading
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Foliage: Evergreen, chartreuse with dark green variegation
• Fragrance: Pleasant
• Flower Color: Light blue
• Flowering Season: Spring
• Light Requirements: Full sun on the coast; partial shade or filtered light inland
• Water Needs: Low once established
• Special Uses: Bank stabilization and groundcover
• Cold Tolerance: Approximately 2°F

A Unique California Garden Selection

Diamond Heights Mountain Lilac was discovered by horticulturist Barry Lehrman in 1985 as a naturally occurring foliage sport in a planting of Carmel Creeper in San Francisco’s Diamond Heights neighborhood near Mount Davidson. Selected for its unusual variegated leaves, it remains a favorite for gardeners looking for an eye-catching, low-growing shrub that combines ornamental appeal with drought tolerance.

A wonderful choice for adding year-round color, soft blue spring blooms, and cascading greenery to California native gardens, Diamond Heights Mountain Lilac is especially valuable where a colorful, spreading groundcover is desired.