A 19th century French hybrid between the deciduous C. americana from eastern U.S.A. and the evergreen C. caeruleus from Mexico. Later to flower than the Californian species it has a long season with us. 10 to 15 cm long panicles of powder blue flowers are produced from December until April. Later in the season the burnt orange seed heads are a bonus. Our plant grows well in a very tough spot. I cut it back about a third each winter. 200cm x 180cm.