Uli, I find that, like so many California and other Mediterranean-climate native shrubs, Ceanothus can be susceptible to water molds (particularly Phytophthora and Pithium strains) whenever water and heat coincide. Thus, timing of planting out becomes critical. The best time for establishing new plantings is in late fall when the soil temperature has cooled down enough to render these fungi largely inactive and one can safely keep plants wet enough to establish good root systems before the next summer’s heat returns. Once hot weather comes back, watering deeply but infrequently, at least for one or two subsequent years, helps to keep plants going until they are fully established and can largely fend for themselves. John C. MacGregor, South Pasadena, CA _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net http://lists.pacificbulbsociety.net/cgi-bin/…