Also known as Bluebeard · 883 gardener saves
Caryopteris: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Caryopteris, the genus most gardeners know as bluebeard. We track 20 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Caryopteris varieties
Of 20 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most saved'Longwood Blue' Bluebeard
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Longwood Blue'
#2 most savedBluebeard Caryopteris
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice'
#3 most savedPavilion Pink Bluebeard
Caryopteris incana 'Pavilion Pink'
Bluebeard
Caryopteris divaricata
Pavilion Blue Bluebeard
Caryopteris incana 'Pavilion Blue'
Sunshine Blue II Bluebeard
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Sunshine Blue II'
Blue Mist Caryopteris
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Blue Mist'
Beekeeper Bluebeard
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Beekeeper'
Worcester Gold Caryopteris
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Worcester Gold'
Pavilion White Bluebeard
Caryopteris incana 'Pavilion White'
Dark Knight Caryopteris
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight'
Snow Fairy Bluebeard
Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy'
Browse all 20 Caryopteris varieties →
How to grow Caryopteris
What the Caryopteris varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 20 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Caryopteris year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Cut back hard (to 6-12 inches) in late winter/early spring; blooms on new wood
- FertilizeMarch55% of varieties
Light feeding with a balanced fertilizer is optional as growth begins
- MulchMarch30% of varieties
Apply a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
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 20 distinct Caryopteris varieties. The most popular — ranked by 883 real gardener saves — 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.
Keep exploring
Design with Caryopteris in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
