Uli, Calcium-based rocks are rare in California and Ceanothus grows throughout the state. I don't think a need for lime is your issue. Ceanothus are mycorrhizal - perhaps your soil lacks a compatible fungal partner... -|<ipp ________________________________ From: pbs <pbs-bounces@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net> on behalf of Johannes Ulrich Urban via pbs <pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net> Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2020 2:47 PM To: Pacific Bulb Society <pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net> Cc: Johannes Ulrich Urban <johannes-ulrich-urban@t-online.de> Subject: [pbs] off topic: Ceanothus Dear All, Please excuse me asking an off-topic question. But as many of you live and garden in California, you may be able to help. I love Ceanothus and I thought that they would grow away in my new portuguse garden. They don't. Purchased plants do not grow , at least not well or even die. Cuttings root but do not progress afterwards. I am on lime free fertile soil, the climate is comparable to Northern California where I saw wild Ceanothus in flower. And I know them from England where they are stunning when in full flower. Do they need lime? I do not remember on which kind of soil they grow in California. I am always hesitating to use lime in the garden on a lime free soil but I would do so if recommended. I have had surprising losses with native portuguese plants which originally grow on limy soil. They quietly disappear within a year or never grow on once planted out of their seed pots. Any other idea why Ceanothus would not want to live here? It may be better to reply privately as this is off topic, thank you again Uli _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net http://lists.pacificbulbsociety.net/cgi-bin/… _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net http://lists.pacificbulbsociety.net/cgi-bin/…