What is Caryopteris?
Caryopteris is a genus of flowering plants that were located in the family verbenaceae and was recently assigned to the Mint Family or labiaceae . This genus commonly known as Bluebeard includes both herbal plants and shrubs that come from Asia. Plants have blue flowers, flowers at the end of summer and are somewhat tolerant drought, which is very desirable for flower boundaries. Several cultivars have been developed and is widely grown. This hybrid grows to 2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m) high and equally wide. It will grow in full sun or light shadow and in wet or dry soil. It is important that the soil has good drainage. Poor drainage is considered to be the most serious problem in the cultivation of Caryopteris.
leaves of this plant are about 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and narrow. The flowers are small and extended abundance in the upper part of the stems. Their blue color and production in autumn are desirable for flower beds, because at the moment very few shrubs bloom. It is recommended to cut dead wood, because flowers are made on new wood.
Some of the popular cultivars for this hybrid include Blue Mist, which has silver green leaves contrasting with blue flowers. Dark Knight has purple flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds. Heavenly blue is a smaller plant with dark blue flowers, while worcester Gold has leaves that turn yellow to yellowish green as ages.
Longwood Blue grows to 4 ft (1.2 m) tall and has flowers that have more purple colors than other cultivars. In colder climates, these plants die back to the ground during the winter. The first choice is more compact than other cultivars. It blooms earlier than other types of Caryopteris, and has dark purple blue flowers. It is also drought resistant.
These shrubs should be planted in a hole that has twice the size of the root ball. The plant should also be located at the same depth as in the original container.In the spring, it should be vigorously trimmed in creating new growth. It is also suggested to prune after each flowering cycle, so there will be further new growth and subsequently more flowers.
It is recommended to water plants from time to time. This encourages them to continue flowering. Promotion is performed by terminal cuttings acquired late in spring or early summer.