White New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) is a compact, hardy deciduous shrub valued for its clusters of fragrant white flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators. Native to North America, it thrives in dry or rocky soil and is ideal for low-water or native garden designs.

This Non-GMO flowering shrub offers year-round visual interest with bright green foliage and abundant summer blooms. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, easy to maintain, and highly adaptable to different soil types. A perfect choice for eco-friendly landscapes, pollinator gardens, and naturalized planting areas.

Features

• Non-GMO Ceanothus americanus shrub variety
• Produces fragrant white flower clusters
• Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies
• Drought-tolerant and easy to maintain
• Excellent for native, wildlife, and pollinator gardens
• Resistant to deer and most pests
• Hardy and long-living ornamental shrub

Specifications

• Scientific Name: Ceanothus americanus
• Common Name (US): White New Jersey Tea
• Plant Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
• Height: 2–4 feet (60–120 cm)
• Spread: 3–5 feet (90–150 cm)
• Growth Habit: Rounded, bushy
• Foliage Color: Bright green
• Flower Color: White clusters
• Bloom Time: Late spring to mid-summer
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.5
• Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once mature
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
• Temperature Range: 50–85°F (10–29°C)
• Days to Germination: 30–90 days (may require cold stratification)
• Seed Depth: ¼ inch deep
• Plant Spacing: 24–36 inches apart
• Life Cycle: Perennial shrub
• GMO Status: Non-GMO, open-pollinated
• Maintenance Level: Low
• Fertilizer: Minimal; compost in spring if needed
• Pollinator Friendly: Yes – attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
• Toxicity: Non-toxic
• Seed Viability: 2 years if stored in a cool, dry place

Planting Guide

• Seed Preparation: Soak seeds in hot (not boiling) water for 12–24 hours, then cold stratify for 4–6 weeks.
• Sowing Time: Start indoors in late winter or sow outdoors in early spring after frost.
• Soil Preparation: Use well-drained sandy or loamy soil.
• Sowing Depth: Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and lightly cover with soil.
• Watering: Keep soil slightly moist during germination.
• Germination Time: 30–90 days, depending on temperature and stratification.
• Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors once 3–4 inches tall.
• Spacing: 24–36 inches apart for full growth.
• Care: Prune after blooming to shape the shrub; mulch to retain moisture in hot climates.