Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Sapphire Surf'

Species

Caryopteris x clandonensisBluebeard

10 other cultivars

shrub

Sapphire Surf Bluebeard

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Sapphire Surf'

$58.17

The Story

Plant Bio

Caryopteris, or Bluebeard, is a low-mounding, deciduous shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and late-season flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. It behaves like a perennial in colder climates, dying back to the ground.

'Sapphire Surf' is a compact, improved variety with a dense, mounding habit and an abundance of vibrant, sapphire-blue flowers from late summer into fall. It is known for its vigorous growth and heavy bloom set.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a spectacular and much-needed burst of intense blue color in the late summer and fall garden when many other plants are fading. The silvery-green foliage is also attractive.

Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established. Its compact size is perfect for borders, mass plantings, and containers. It is also deer and rabbit resistant.

A magnet for pollinators. The late-season blooms are a critical food source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects preparing for winter.

SpeciesCaryopteris x clandonensisBluebeard

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to average

Lifespan

Short-lived shrub/perennial

Native To

Hybrid (parents from East Asia)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Mid-fall

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$58.17

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with excellent drainage; this is critical.
Amend heavy soils with gravel or sand to improve drainage.
Dig a hole no deeper than the pot and twice as wide.
Set the plant in the hole, backfill, and water gently.
Water sparingly once established; it thrives in dry conditions.
Prune back hard every year in late winter for best form and flowering.

Pro Tip

Do not prune in the fall. Wait until late winter or early spring, as the old stems provide some winter protection for the crown.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Plant in very well-drained, even gritty, soil.
Prune back hard in late winter or early spring.
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or wet soil; it will cause root rot.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.
Don't prune in the fall, especially in colder climates.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant late-season color for perennial bordersExcellent for mass plantings and low hedgesDrought-tolerant choice for rock gardens

Companion Plants

Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm'Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)Ornamental Grasses (e.g., Pennisetum)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sapphire Surf Bluebeard questions

What zones can Sapphire Surf Bluebeard grow in?

Sapphire Surf 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 Sapphire Surf Bluebeard deer resistant?

Yes — Sapphire Surf Bluebeard is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Sapphire Surf Bluebeard bloom?

Sapphire Surf 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 Sapphire Surf Bluebeard need full sun?

Sapphire Surf Bluebeard does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Sapphire Surf Bluebeard drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sapphire Surf Bluebeard handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.