As with other selections or hybrids of this species, plants prefer to be planted in full sun in well-drained soils and are best suited to coastal gardens, where they require little to no water in summer. It is hardy to about 10 degrees F. Although less dramatic in flower than the closely related 'Dark Star' and 'Julia Phelps', its fine texture, compact shape, and lighter blue flowers make ‘Vandenberg’ a solid addition to the stable of wild lilacs.

Ceanothus impressus 'Vandenberg' was selected by M. Nevin Smith in the 1982 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara County. There are possibly other so-named plants in the California nursery trade. Monterey Bay Nursery lists a Ceanothus impressus 'Compact Vandenberg' and Native Sons Nursery describes Ceanothus impressus 'Vandenberg' as a selection that Austin Griffith made on Burton Mesa.

The genus name comes from the Greek word keanthos which was used to describe a type of thistle and meaning a "thorny plant" or "spiny plant" and first used by Linnaeus in 1753 to describe New Jersey Tea, Ceanothus americanus. The specific epithet is from the Latin word 'impress' meaning "sunken" or "impressed" in reference to the veins on the leaves. 

The information about Ceanothus impressus 'Vandenberg' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant.