2026 Availability- Expected pickup date for this plant is April 27th
Snowbrush (Ceanothus velutinus) is a fragrant, vibrant, and beautiful native shrub for both sunny and partial shade understory areas. Dense, dark green foliage provides beautiful texture, while late spring to early summer sports bursts of creamy white flower clusters that attract a host of pollinators, including native bees and butterflies. As a nitrogen-fixing plant, Snowbrush naturally enriches surrounding soil and its thick branches offer shelter and nesting sites for birds and beneficial insects. Tolerant of drought and poor soils, Snowbrush thrives in naturalistic garden beds and borders, woodland gardens, and restorative plantings. Its natural habit is to spread and form small thickets, so plant in an area where this spread is desired. Pruning of the plant (especially old wood) is discouraged and can kill the plant. Instead, snip off the ends after flowering has finished to mimic browsing by deer to maintain its shape and preventing the center from becoming overly woody. If overwatered, fertilized, etc. Snowbrush will be short-lived in the landscape. Avoid overwatering, especially in the summer, to extend its lifespan.
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield
Snowbrush
Irrigation Requirement: Very Low (Water to Establish) to Low (1/2" every 3-4 weeks)
Mature Size: Can get 2-10' tall, but usually stay 2-4' tall, and 6-10' wide.
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 10
Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Deer Resistant: Somewhat, deer will still browse when other food sources are scarce.
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Soils: Adaptable to sandy, loam, or clay soils.
Plants in the Ceanothus genus are known hosts for 55 native pollinators in northern Utah. Snowbrush is also an excellent habitat plant for beneficial insects, birds, and small animals, and enriches the surrounding soil by fixing nitrogen.