11 named cultivars

shrub

Bluebeard

The Story

Plant Bio

Caryopteris x clandonensis, bluebeard, is a compact deciduous subshrub raised from two Asian species, forming a rounded mound two to three feet high and about as wide. Aromatic grey-green leaves sit on square stems, and dense clusters of small blue to violet flowers open along the upper stems in late summer and early autumn.

It flowers on wood made the same season, so it is pruned like a perennial rather than a shrub: cut the whole plant back hard in early spring and it rebuilds and flowers on the new growth. Left unpruned it goes woody, sparse and shy of flower. Sharp drainage matters more than cold hardiness — wet winter soil kills it far more often than frost.

Uses & Benefits:

True blue flowers in late summer, a colour and a season both scarce in most gardens.

Drought tolerant once established, compact enough for small gardens and easy to keep in shape.

Heavily worked by bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects at a lean time of year.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden hybrid of Asian species

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun in sharply drained soil.
Avoid heavy clay and any spot that stays wet.
Water while establishing, then only in drought.
Cut the whole plant back hard in early spring.
Leave the old stems standing over winter.
Feed sparingly; lean soil gives sturdier growth.

Pro Tip

Prune it like a perennial, not a shrub — cut back to a foot in early spring and it flowers harder on the new wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it full sun and sharp drainage ☀️
Cut back hard in early spring ✂️
Leave old stems on through winter 🍂
Plant it where bees can reach it 🐝

Don't

Plant it in heavy, wet winter soil ❌
Prune it in autumn ❌
Feed it richly — it flops ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Late-season colour in a sunny borderPollinator and butterfly plantingGravel garden or dry sunny bank

Companion Plants

Russian Sage SedumConeflower Muhly Grass Lavender

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bluebeard questions

What zones can Bluebeard grow in?

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 Bluebeard deer resistant?

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

When does Bluebeard bloom?

Bluebeard typically blooms in late summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bluebeard need full sun?

Bluebeard does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bluebeard drought tolerant?

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