The Story
Plant Bio
Caryopteris, or bluebeard, is a small, low-maintenance deciduous shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and late-season flowers that are a magnet for pollinators.
'Beyond Midnight' stands out with its extremely dark, glossy foliage that provides a stunning backdrop for its abundant, deep blue-purple flowers. Its compact, mounding habit makes it a versatile garden addition.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
30 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to moderate
Lifespan
10-15 years
Native To
Cultivated origin (parents from Asia)
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late summer – Mid-fall
In flower about 3 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in full sun with excellent drainage
- Amend heavy soils with compost or grit to improve drainage
- Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level
- Backfill with soil and water lightly to settle
- Mulch with gravel or a thin layer of bark to keep the crown dry
Pro Tip
Do not fertilize or overwater; this plant thrives in lean, well-drained soil and produces more flowers under slight stress.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun all day for the best color and most flowers.
- Cut back hard in early spring to encourage vigorous new growth.
- Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soil.
- Avoid excessive fertilizing, which can lead to weak growth.
- Do not prune in the fall; wait until early spring.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Beyond Midnight Bluebeard questions
What zones can Beyond Midnight Bluebeard grow in?
Beyond Midnight Bluebeard is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Beyond Midnight Bluebeard deer resistant?
Yes — Beyond Midnight Bluebeard is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Beyond Midnight Bluebeard bloom?
Beyond Midnight Bluebeard typically blooms in late summer through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Beyond Midnight Bluebeard need full sun?
Beyond Midnight Bluebeard does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Beyond Midnight Bluebeard drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Beyond Midnight Bluebeard handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Caryopteris to compare

Bluebeard Caryopteris
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice'

'Longwood Blue' Bluebeard
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Longwood Blue'

Pavilion Pink Bluebeard
Caryopteris incana 'Pavilion Pink'

Bluebeard
Caryopteris divaricata

Sunshine Blue II Bluebeard
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Sunshine Blue II'

Beekeeper Bluebeard
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Beekeeper'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Beyond Midnight Bluebeard with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.











