Ceanothus x pallidus 'Marie Simon'
Best vibrant shrub for adding reliable beauty to diverse garden landscapes.
Clouds of fragrant pink flower clusters on red stems grace this deciduous shrub from late spring to mid-summer. Unlike many Ceanothus, this semi-evergreen hybrid appreciates some summer water and will appreciate afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Can be winter pruned to reduce the size. Deadheading will prolong the floral parade. Mature size: Rounded 5 ft T x 5 W. Minimum temperature: -10° F.
$14.50
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
866
/ 2688
#866 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Mature Height
5
/ ft
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking prolonged, gentle floral beauty and seasonal charm.
- Eco-conscious individuals wanting to support local wildlife and beneficial insects.
- Busy gardeners desiring low-maintenance, resilient, and water-efficient landscape solutions.
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with dense, poorly draining, or consistently wet soil types.
- Those preferring naturally dense shrubs without consistent shaping efforts.
- Gardeners prioritizing continuous green foliage and winter garden interest.
Performance breakdown
Floral Impact
Fragrant pink clusters create a stunning, long-lasting visual display.
Pollinator Appeal
Highly effective at drawing bees and butterflies to the garden.
Deer Resistance
Reliably deters browsing wildlife, protecting your landscape investment.
Maintenance Ease
Simple winter pruning keeps the rounded form tidy and compact.
Climate Flexibility
Requires specific shade and moisture management in hotter growing zones.
Growth Predictability
Consistent moderate growth ensures a reliable five-foot mature footprint.
Key Specs
Mature Height
5 ft
Mature Spread
5 ft
Bloom Season
Late spring to mid-summer
Flower Color
Pink
Growth Rate
Moderate
Deer Resistant
Yes
Drought Tolerant
No
Fragrant
Yes
Features
- Fragrant Pink Flower Clusters
- Deer Resistant
- Pollinator Friendly
- Appreciates Summer Water
- Afternoon Shade in Hot Climates
- Can be Winter Pruned
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and vibrant beauty of this plant. Many highlight its robust health upon arrival and its vigorous growth, quickly establishing itself in various garden settings. Its stunning blooms are a frequent point of delight, adding significant aesthetic value to outdoor spaces. Gardeners appreciate its reliable performance and ease of care, making it a rewarding addition for both novice and experienced enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
Unlike many drought-tolerant California lilacs, this hybrid is semi-evergreen and actually prefers regular summer water. It is also more adaptable to afternoon shade, making it a better choice for gardens that don't have full, scorching sun.
It is hardy down to -10° F, which typically aligns with USDA Zone 8. If you live in a region that experiences colder temperatures, you may need to provide winter protection or consider a different variety.
At maturity, 'Marie Simon' reaches a rounded shape of 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Be sure to plant it at least 5 feet away from walls or other shrubs to allow for proper air circulation.
Yes, it is considered deer resistant, which makes it a reliable choice for landscapes where deer pressure is a concern. However, no plant is entirely deer-proof, especially if food sources are scarce.
You can prune it during the winter months to manage its size or encourage a denser habit. Additionally, deadheading the spent flower clusters throughout the season will help prolong the blooming period.
It is relatively low-maintenance, but it does appreciate consistent summer water. To maximize the floral display, simply deadhead the faded blooms and ensure it receives enough water during the heat of the summer.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$14