Bluebeard
(Caryopteris ×clandonensis)
Bluebeard (Caryopteris ×clandonensis)
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Patrick Standish
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Patrick Standish
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Patrick Standish | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: patrick_standish | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Caryopteris ×clandonensis, commonly known as Bluebeard, is a deciduous shrub of garden origin, a hybrid created in 1933 by crossing Caryopteris incana and Caryopteris mongholica, both native to East Asia. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). Bluebeard has a mounded form with gray-green foliage and produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers that are most commonly blue but can also be found in pink and purple shades. The flowering season extends from late summer into fall, providing a late-season nectar source for pollinators.
Bluebeard is valued for its late-season blooms and compact size, which makes it suitable for small gardens, borders, and container planting. It is also used as a low hedge or accent plant. This shrub thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil; it is drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be prone to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Pruning in early spring encourages bushier growth and more prolific flowering.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bluebeard is valued for its late-season blooms and compact size, which makes it suitable for small gardens, borders, and container planting. It is also used as a low hedge or accent plant. This shrub thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil; it is drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be prone to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Pruning in early spring encourages bushier growth and more prolific flowering.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Originating from East Asia, with fragrant blue, pink, or purple flowers and a compact, mounded form
Other Names
Common Names: Blue Mist Shrub , Blue Spirea , 층꽃나무속
Scientific Names: Caryopteris ×clandonensis , Caryopteris incana x mongholica
GBIF Accepted Name: Caryopteris incana x mongholica