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Caryopteris x clandonensis,
sometimes called Blue Spirea, is a fast growing, compact, free
flowering shrub that is treated
like a perennial. It has aromatic gray-green, fine textured foliage and its
frothy, rounded flower clusters appear in midsummer. Caryopteris loves the sun, but will tolerate light shade,
and loose, well-drained soil. Established plants will tolerate dry
conditions. After the main flush of bloom, trim the stem tips of
spent flower clusters to encourage new shoots and flowers to form.
Plants should be cut to the ground in early spring, however, they usually die back to the ground
in winter. Caryopteris can be
used in borders or mass plantings and it looks spectacular next to
other colorful perennials such as Rudbeckia. Its foliage and flowers are often used in
fresh or dried bouquets. Caryopteris grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet
with a spread of 2-3 feet.
The variety 'Dark Knight' is pictured and has silvery
leaves and its violet-blue flowers appear from late summer. |
