Ceanothus Hybrid, Small Leaf Mountain Lilac 'Julia Phelps'

I planted this ceanothus in 2004 and chose it because it is supposed to be more moisture-tolerant than most varieties (I live in Seattle....Read More). I planted it in my sunniest, driest area. It has grown from gallon pot size to a 6' x 6' bush and has bloomed beautifully.

However, this year it seems that almost half of the branches are dead. Last year I did do some pruning, mostly of bottom branches so that I could mow under it. Also, we have had an unusually cool and wet Spring. I've seen comments on the web suggesting that Ceanothus' just have a short lifespan. I'm not sure what to do with it at this point....

Ceanothus 'Julia Phelps' JULIA PHELPS CEANOTHUS EG (z8) (WNa,Fra,Hon)
Dark, furrowed leaves & very showy flowers of an intense co...Read Morebalt-blue are produced in short dense clusters by this adaptable 4-8'shrub (more tol-erant of water than others);useful for borders or specimen. Sun/Med/GDr

This plant is: broadleaf evergreen, woody perennial shrub, growth rate: moderate, Height: 5-7', SPREAD: 5-7', will handle sun, heat, ari...Read Moredity,Hardiness: Hardy to 0, Soil Adaptation: Any well drained soil, doesn't like wet soil, Propagation from cuttings & seeds, Root System is Fibrous, Pests are Aphids, Disease: Root rot, crown rot