What is the hardiest caryopteris?
The hardiest caryopteris yet! Sunshine Blue II is a new, improved variety of the classic Sunshine Blue, but it’s much more tolerant of cold climates. Bluebeard is a genus of seven species of medium-sized (3 to 4 feet high at maturity) herbaceous perennial to semi-evergreen shrubs with abundant small, blue flowers clustered around the stems at every leaf section. Its blooming season lasts for about two months, from late summer into early fall.Caryopteris × clandonensis, commonly called bluebeard, blue spirea or blue mist, is a low-mounded, deciduous shrub that is valued for its aromatic foliage and late summer flowers which are said to resemble clouds of blue smoke or mist.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.
How fast does caryopteris grow?
Caryopteris is fast growing. Once established, it can grow about 18′ – 30′ a year, though it usually tops off at about 3′ in height. Older stems will become woody, giving it a little structure. The signature blue blooms will only occur on new growth, so pruning is necessary. Caryopteris is hardy to between -5°C and -10°C, so will survive the average UK winter without the need for added protection. In very cold regions it will benefit from the warmth of a south-facing wall.Caryopteris needs very little care. Once established, it doesn’t need watering or feeding, unless in a container, in which case it should be watered in spring and summer when the top 5cm of compost is dry. Caryopteris is not evergreen and will drop its leaves in late autumn.Plant Caryopteris in a sunny, well-drained spot—it’s not tolerant of wet or heavy soils, especially in winter. Improve drainage before planting if needed by adding grit or organic matter. These small, deciduous shrubs prefer a sheltered site and do best against a warm wall or in a border that gets plenty of sun.Caryopteris is fast growing. Once established, it can grow about 18′ – 30′ a year, though it usually tops off at about 3′ in height. Older stems will become woody, giving it a little structure. The signature blue blooms will only occur on new growth, so pruning is necessary.Caryopteris should be pruned every spring to keep them compact and flowering well – see Pruning and Training, below. Overgrown plants can be cut back hard and should recover well.
What is the common name for caryopteris?
Caryopteris × clandonensis, commonly called bluebeard, blue spirea or blue mist, is a low-mounded, deciduous shrub that is valued for its aromatic foliage and late summer flowers which are said to resemble clouds of blue smoke or mist. Caryopteris can be propagated by cuttings taken during spring or early summer. Find non-flowered shoots 5-10cm long and snip off the plant. Put them in a plastic bag straight away to prevent drying out. Fill a container with a compost mix which is at least 50% perlite (or if you prefer, as we do, 100% perlite).Caryopteris are easy to propagate. In the spring, you can divide the offshoots from the main bush or you can take soft wood cuttings. I have also read that it disperses seeds, but I have never seen seedlings.The caryopteris is a compact bush with beautiful green aromatic foliage that is slightly toothed and has a silver-plated reverse. It is a great woody perennial which forms a densely branched, deciduous, mounded shrub to 4 feet tall and at least as wide.