Caryopteris × clandonensis 'First Choice': Compact Bluebeard

Caryopteris × clandonensis 'First Choice' – Dark Flowers, Compact Habit

Ideal for mixed or shrub borders. Attractive woody shrub with dark green leaves, dark purplish-blue flowers, compact habit. Misty blue flowers late summer to early autumn. Relatively drought-tolerant, very heat-tolerant. Expands as branches root; may self-seed.

Care

Well-drained soil not overly rich. Trim in spring for rounded form. Cut back to 3-inch stems in late winter for vigorous branching. May need hard pruning in severe winters. Propagate by separating rooted stems in early spring, softwood cuttings late spring, greenwood cuttings early summer. Pests: infrequent, capsid bugs.

Quick Reference

• Height: 3–6 ft.
• Spread: 1–3 ft.
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Moisture: Adaptable
• Bloom: Late summer to fall (blue)
• Features: Attracts butterflies, fragrant flowers & foliage