Blue beard (Caryopteris  × clandonensis 'First Choice') kare-ee-OP-ter-iss ex klan-don-EN-sis Genus:  Caryopteris 'First Choice' is ideal for a mixed or shrub border. It's an attractive woody shrub with dark green leaves, dark purplish blue flowers, and a compact habit. Misty blue flowers appear in late summer and early autumn.This plant is relatively drought tolerant and very heat tolerant. The shrub expands as branches that touch the ground form their own roots and may self-seed. Care:  Grow in well-drained soil that is not overly rich. Trim back in spring to keep rounded clump form. Cut back to 3-inch stems in late winter to promote vigorous branching growth. May need to be hard pruned in spring in areas with severe winters. Propagation:  Separate rooted stems from parent plant and transplant in early spring. Root softwood cuttings in late spring, or greenwood cuttings in early summer. Problems:  Infrequent. Capsid bugs may affect leaves.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Growth Pace Fast Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Adaptable Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Fall, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color Blue Uses Beds and Borders Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Shrubs