Bluebeard

Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue'

Bluebeard - Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue'

Common Name: Bluebeard
Genus: Caryopteris
Species: × clandonensis
Cultivar: 'Heavenly Blue'

Category: Shrubs and Sub-shrubs

Height: 1.00 m (100 cm)
Spread: 1.00 m (100 cm)

Hardiness: Hardy
Growth Rate: Average
Flowering Period: August and September
Foliage Type: Deciduous
Foliage Colour: Green, Grey/Silver
Flower Colour: Blue
Sun/Shade: Full sun
Soil Type: Normal/Loam or Sandy/Light or Chalky/Alkaline
Soil Moisture: Dry, well drained or Moist, but well drained
Features: Has fragrant flowers/foliage, Good for wildlife

Clusters of piercing slightly fluffy dark blue flowers appear in August and September at intervals on long stems among pointed aromatic grey-green leaves. With its strongly upright habit this lovely dark blue form of 'bluebeard' is perfect for the middle of a sunny shrub or mixed border. It is also a magnet for bees and butterflies and is drought-tolerant. Where temperatures fall below -15°C it's best grown against a warm south or west-facing wall.

Garden Care: In March prune all of the flowered stems back hard to the permanent framework. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the base of the plant.

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