Ceanothus x pallidus - Marie Simon
Best low-maintenance shrub for gardeners seeking deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly color.
Introducing the Ceanothus x pallidus 'Marie Simon', a captivating flowering shrub celebrated for its abundant, airy pink blooms and elegant, compact form. This adaptable Wild Lilac hybrid offers a continuous floral display from summer through fall with simple deadheading, creating long-lasting garden appeal. Its wine-red stems provide a striking contrast to the soft pink flowers. Reaching approximately 5 feet by 5 feet, it maintains a pleasing bushy habit, ideal for mixed borders or dry garden beds. This hardy perennial is also cold-tolerant, deer-resistant, and a magnet for beneficial pollinators.
$12.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2688
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-67%
Below average
USDA Growing Zone
610
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a unique pink alternative to standard blue varieties
- Landscapers wanting long-lasting color throughout the summer months
- Cold-climate growers living in USDA zones 6 through 9
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners preferring hands-off shrub varieties
- Xeriscape enthusiasts needing plants that thrive without any supplemental water
- Gardeners with heavy soil or poor drainage conditions
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
A reliable magnet for local bees and butterflies throughout the season.
Drought Tolerance
Thrives in dry garden beds with minimal supplemental water once established.
Pest Resistance
Strong natural defenses keep deer and gophers away from your landscape.
Bloom Longevity
Consistent deadheading unlocks a continuous floral display through the autumn months.
Soil Adaptability
Handles heavy clay soils better than most traditional flowering shrub varieties.
Hardiness Range
Robust enough to withstand cold winters across a wide climate spectrum.
Key Specs
USDA Growing Zone
6 - 10
Bloom Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Flower Color
Pink-Magenta
Life Cycle
Perennial
Sun Requirements
Part Sun, Sun
Water Requirements
Low Water
Pot Size
4-inch
Mature Height
5.0 feet
Features
- Repeats blooming with deadheading
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Tough, cold-hardy, and adaptable
- Deer and gopher resistant
- Tolerant of clay soils
- Fire resistant qualities
- Airy pink blooms on wine-red stems
- Fragrant flowers
What customers say
Customers express high satisfaction with the 'Marie Simon' Ceanothus, focusing primarily on superior plant quality and vendor service. Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional health and robust root systems upon arrival, noting that specialized packaging minimizes transit stress. The plant's appeal is driven by its rare, soft pink blooms, which are true to color and vigorous. Gardeners report rapid growth and successful establishment, even in difficult climates, suggesting excellent genetic stock. While the initial cost is premium, the consensus is that the investment is justified by the plant's rarity and superior quality compared to standard nursery options. This is a highly valued and recommended purchase for enthusiasts seeking reliable, unusual perennials.
Know before you buy
To keep the flowers coming from summer through fall, simply deadhead the spent blooms. Removing the faded flowers prevents the plant from setting seed and encourages it to put energy into new growth and blossoms.
Yes, this variety is specifically noted for its tolerance of clay soils. While it adapts well to heavier ground, ensuring the area isn't prone to standing water will help the plant thrive.
At maturity, the 'Marie Simon' reaches approximately 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Its mounding, bushy habit makes it a great candidate for mixed borders or as a standalone focal point in a dry garden bed.
Yes, this Ceanothus hybrid is considered deer-resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern. It is also noted for being gopher-resistant.
No, it is a low-water plant. Once it has established its root system, it is quite hardy and drought-tolerant, requiring minimal irrigation compared to thirstier garden shrubs.
The 'Marie Simon' is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 10. It is a tough, cold-tolerant perennial that can handle a range of temperatures across these zones.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.