BLUEBEARD

Cool blue flowers top these upright Asian native shrubs from midsummer to frost. Generally grown as woody-based perennialsif plants don't freeze back in winter, cut them nearly to ground before spring growth flush to ensure a good base for the new season's growth. Bear dense, stalked clusters of small flowers on current season's growth; trim after each wave of bloom to encourage repeat flowering. Provide good drainage, since plants can rot in wet soil. Not browsed by deer.

• Low-growing mound (to 2 feet tall and wide) of narrow, 3 inches-long, gray-green leaves.
• Clusters of small flowers top upper parts of stems.
• The original selection, 'Arthur Simmonds', is still the hardiest and most reliable; it has bright blue blossoms and gray-green leaves with silvery undersides.
• Heavenly Blue and 'Sapphire Surf' bear deep blue blossoms; 'Dark Knight', 'Longwood Blue', and 'Sterling Silver' also with deep blue blooms, have silvery foliage.
• Worcester Gold has yellow leaves and lavender-blue flowers.
• Leaves of 'Summer Sorbet' are green with yellow edges.
• First Choice is compact, with profuse dark purple blossoms; it blooms over a longer period than other selections.

• COMMON BLUEBEARD, BLUE SPIREA.
• Taller than Caryopteris x clandonensis, with looser, more open growth to 34 feet tall, 5 feet wide.
• Lavender-blue flowers appear in leaf joints.
• Jason has golden foliage.
• Blue Myth is noted for deep blue flowers and compact form, growing just 2-3 feet tall and wide.