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Caryopteris – Bluebeards

Bluebeard, Blue Mist, Blue Spirea, Blue Mist Spirea, Caryopteris incana, Caryopteris x clandonensis, Caryopteris divaricata

Bluebeard, Blue Mist, Blue Spirea, Blue Mist Spirea, Caryopteris incana, Caryopteris x clandonensis, Caryopteris divaricata, Blue Flowers, Late Summer Perennials, Late Summer Shrubs

Prized for their long season of interest and easy care, Caryopteris (Bluebeard, Blue Mist, or Blue Spirea) are terrific deciduous shrubs with fragrant true blue flowers in late summer and fall.

What is Bluebeard?

Caryopteris, commonly known as Bluebeard or Blue Spirea, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. Originally from East Asia, it is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub known for its beautiful and vibrant late summer to fall blooms.

Habit and Size: Growing habitually in a compact, mounded shape, Bluebeard typically reaches 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) in height and spread. This makes it an excellent choice for small gardens or borders.

Foliage: As valuable as the flowers, their dense foliage of aromatic leaves is also one of their great attributes, adding interest from when they appear in spring until frost. Usually soft green, the foliage of small, finely textured leaves can be quite colorful with gorgeous silvery blue-green, golden, chartreuse, or variegated leaves.

Flowers: Caryopteris is most recognized for its clusters of small, fragrant, tubular flowers ranging from deep blue to light blue or lavender. The blossoms are arranged around the stems, at every leaf section, like the tiers of a wedding cake. The blossoms are followed by seed heads that are ornamental in dried arrangements.

Blooming Season: The flowers appear on new growth from late summer to early fall, providing a pop of color when many other garden plants are past their peak.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, Caryopteris are soft-wooded shrubs or subshrubs that behave more like herbaceous perennials than like woody shrubs. In hardiness zones 5-6, their above-ground growth tends to die back. But their roots remain hardy.

Uses: Extremely versatile, Caryopteris are perfect for perennial borders, shrub borders, butterfly gardens, and low hedges. A superb addition to most sunny garden settings, Bluebeard can also fit in small spaces and containers. One of the best small shrubs for late color, it is worth repeating several times over in a border to give a strong fall effect.

Pollinators: Caryopteris is not only an ornamental wonder but also serves a practical role in attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a fantastic addition to a pollinator garden.

Deer and Rabbit: Its aromatic foliage tends to deter deer and rabbits, an additional boon for many gardeners.

Drought Tolerance: Another feature of Caryopteris that makes it a great garden plant for summer heat is its drought tolerance. Once established, Caryopteris requires very little water to survive, thrive, and bloom.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Genus Caryopteris
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late), Fall
Height 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Drought
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Caryopteris incana ‘Jason’ Sunshine Blue® (Bluebeard)
Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Janice’ Lil’ Miss Sunshine® (Bluebeard)
Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Minbleu’ Petit Bleu™ (Bluebeard)

Why Should I Grow Bluebeard?

Growing Bluebeard (Caryopteris) in your garden is an excellent idea for several reasons:

  • Late-Season Blooms: Caryopteris produces beautiful blue to lavender blooms from late summer to early fall, adding color to your garden when many other plants have stopped flowering.
  • Pollinator Attraction: Its vibrant, nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. This makes it a wonderful addition to a pollinator garden or any garden aiming to boost local biodiversity.
  • Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Caryopteris’s aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits, making your plants less likely to be eaten by these common garden pests.
  • Drought Tolerance: Once established, Caryopteris is drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for areas with hot, dry summers or low-maintenance gardens.
  • Compact Size: With its compact, mounding growth habit, Caryopteris is ideal for small gardens, borders, or containers.
  • Fragrant Foliage: The leaves of the Caryopteris plant are aromatic, adding a sensory element to your garden.
  • Easy to Grow: Caryopteris is not particularly picky about soil and requires little care beyond regular watering and annual pruning, making it an excellent choice for both beginner gardeners and those looking for low-maintenance plants.

In conclusion, whether for its beautiful late-season blooms, its ability to attract pollinators, or its easy-care nature, Caryopteris is a plant worth considering for your garden.

Caryopteris x clandonensis Sapphire Surf™ (Bluebeard)
Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Inoveris’ Grand Bleu® (Bluebeard)
Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Kew Blue’ (Bluebeard)

Garden Design with Bluebeard

Bluebeard, is an exceptional choice for various garden designs due to its vibrant blue flowers, aromatic foliage, and late-summer to early-fall blooming period. Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your garden:

  • Mixed Border: Caryopteris serves as a fantastic late bloomer in mixed borders. Pair it with late-summer perennials like Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, Echinacea, or Rudbeckia for an extended season of color.
  • Pollinator Garden: Given its attractiveness to bees and butterflies, consider placing Caryopteris in a pollinator or butterfly garden. Pair it with other nectar-rich plants like Salvia, Monarda, or Buddleia.
  • Cottage Garden: Caryopteris’s informal growth habit fits well into a cottage garden style. Combine it with traditional cottage garden plants like Roses, Lavender, or Foxgloves.
  • Drought-Tolerant Planting: Once established, Caryopteris is quite drought-tolerant. It can be used in xeriscaping or low-water-use gardens alongside other drought-tolerant plants like Lavender, Sedum, or Russian Sage.
  • Containers: Caryopteris’s compact size makes it well-suited to container planting. It can serve as a ‘thriller’ plant in a ‘thriller, filler, spiller’ design, with its vibrant flowers providing the eye-catching ‘thrill’.
  • Autumn Interest: As Caryopteris blooms in late summer and early fall, it can be used to provide interest in the garden as the season transitions to fall.

Remember to give Caryopteris a sunny spot, as it thrives in full sun. This will ensure the most prolific blooming and the healthiest plants.

Caryopteris x clandonensis Beyond Midnight® (Bluebeard)
Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Dark Knight’ (Bluebeard)
Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Lissilv’ Sterling Silver (Bluebeard)

Companion Plants

Caryopteris, or Bluebeard, pairs well with a variety of plants, owing to its late summer to early fall blooming period and its vibrant blue flowers. Here are a few companion plant suggestions:

  • Perovskia (Russian Sage): Its silver foliage and lavender-blue flowers make a pleasing contrast to the bright blue of Caryopteris.
  • Sedum: These perennial plants offer late summer to fall blooms, matching Caryopteris’s bloom time. Their pink flowers also contrast nicely with Caryopteris.
  • Echinacea (Coneflower): The vibrant colors of Echinacea, particularly the purples and pinks, pair well with the blue of Caryopteris.
  • Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan): With its bright yellow flowers and darker central cone, Rudbeckia provides a striking contrast to the blue of Caryopteris.
  • Grasses: Ornamental grasses like Panicum (Switchgrass) or Miscanthus provide a great backdrop for Caryopteris, offering contrasting forms and textures.
  • Nepeta (Catmint): The soft, blue flowers and aromatic, grey-green leaves of catmint complement Caryopteris well. Both plants also share similar sun and soil requirements.
  • Buddleia (Butterfly Bush): The tall, striking flowers of the butterfly bush provide a nice backdrop for the shorter Caryopteris, and both plants attract pollinators.
  • Bulbs: Underplant them with early crocuses, daffodils or snowflake bulbs for spring flowering.

Remember, companion plants should have similar sun, soil, and water requirements to ensure they grow well together.

Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Hint of Gold’ (Bluebeard)
Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘White Surprise’ (Bluebeard)
Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘First Choice’ (Bluebeard)

Growing Tips

Bluebeard is relatively easy to grow, but some tips can help optimize its health and appearance:

  • Sunlight: Caryopteris prefers full sun for the best flowering and to maintain a compact, sturdy form.
  • Soil: This plant thrives in well-drained soil and is highly adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soil. It is intolerant of wet, poorly-drained soils.
  • Watering: Although Caryopteris is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during its first growing season will help it develop a strong root system. Avoid overwatering, as the plant is sensitive to waterlogged conditions.
  • Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to lanky growth and reduced flowering.
  • Pruning: Prune Caryopteris in early spring, cutting it back close to ground level. This will encourage new growth and plentiful flowers in late summer and fall. Pruning also helps maintain the plant’s shape and size.
  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
  • Pest control: Keep an eye out for common pests such as spider mites, particularly during hot, dry weather.

Recommended Companion Plants

Echinacea (Coneflower)
Agastache (Hyssop)
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)
Nepeta (Catmint)
Narcissi (Daffodils)
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Genus Caryopteris
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late), Fall
Height 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Drought
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Compare All Caryopteris (Bluebeard)
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