Also known as Bluebeard · 1k saves
Caryopteris
Caryopteris, the genus most gardeners know as bluebeard. We track 21 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 20 most-saved Caryopteris varieties
Browse all 21 Caryopteris varieties →
Species of Caryopteris
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Caryopteris in Sow
Save the Caryopteris you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Caryopteris
Whats common across all Caryopteris varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 21 most-grown of them.
The Caryopteris year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Cut back hard (to 6-12 inches) in late winter/early spring; blooms on new wood
- FertilizeMarch52% of varieties
Light feeding with a balanced fertilizer is optional as growth begins
Do
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer annually
- Water deeply during dry spells 💧
- Prune in early spring to maintain shape ✂️
Avoid
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid heavy fertilization late in the season
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Caryopteris
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use insecticidal soap and increase humidity |
| None significant | Generally pest-free. | The aromatic foliage deters most common garden pests. |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves | Improve drainage, reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
Making more Caryopteris
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Cut 4-6 inch sections and remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone powder.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
- Keep soil moist and place in bright, indirect light.
- Roots develop in 4-6 weeks.
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Cover lightly with soil.
- Maintain consistent moisture.
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks.
Caryopteris questions
How many types of Caryopteris are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 21 distinct Caryopteris varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Caryopteris grow in?
Across its varieties, Caryopteris covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Caryopteris bloom?
Most Caryopteris varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, late summer to early fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Caryopteris should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.