type :
Deciduous, Shrubs
sun exposure :
Full Sun
water :
Moderate Water
planting zones :
US (Upper South) / Zone 6, MS (Middle South) / Zone 7, LS (Lower South) / Zone 8, CS (Coastal South) / Zone 9
Plant Details
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.
blue mist
caryopteris x clandonensis
- 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.
caryopteris incana
- 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.