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Caryopteris ×clandonensis
Scientific Name: Caryopteris ×clandonensis
Family: Verbenaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Caryopteris x clandonensis: Bluebeard, Blue-mist shrub, Blue Spirea
Caryopteris x clandonensis, commonly known as Bluebeard, Blue-mist shrub, or Blue Spirea, is a popular deciduous shrub appreciated for its late-season blooms and aromatic foliage. It's a hybrid, favored for its easy cultivation and attractiveness to pollinators.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The text mentions that the plant is aromatic, indicating the presence of volatile oils that could be a potential irritant for sensitive individuals or animals.
- While generally considered non-toxic, the toothed leaves might cause minor irritation if ingested or handled roughly.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Caryopteris x clandonensis
- Genus: Caryopteris
- Family: Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
- The nomenclature "Caryopteris clandonensis hort. ex Rehder" is also mentioned.
Distribution and Habitat
- The text indicates that Caryopteris x clandonensis was an unusual plant in American gardens in the 1960s, implying its introduction and subsequent popularization.
- It is also used in water-conserving landscapes in the Inland Northwest of the United States.
- It is popular in parks and gardens in the UK.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Caryopteris species are described as deciduous shrubs or perennials.
- Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue' is a compact, upright shrub reaching about 1 meter in height with arching branches and toothed, grey foliage.
- Other varieties, such as 'Dark Knight,' form a mound of slightly toothed foliage.
- The plant typically produces small blue or white flowers in compact axillary clusters in late summer and autumn. Some varieties exhibit deep blue flowers.
- It is often cut back each spring and treated like a perennial, even though it is a woody shrub.
Ecological Role
- The plant is described as a wildlife plant, attracting insects and butterflies.
- It is noted to be a bee food source.
Cultivation
- Caryopteris x clandonensis is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun.
- It prefers loose loams and tolerates some drought but is intolerant of wet, poorly-drained soils.
- The plant benefits from periodic watering.
Quirky Facts
- The text mentions that many plants sold in the UK under the name Caryopteris x clandonensis may not be identical to the USA original, suggesting potential variations in cultivars or misidentification.
- The flowers of the Blue Mist spirea (Caryopteris x clandonensis) appear as if a little bit of a clear, blue New Mexico sky floated down to earth.
Varieties and Cultivars
- 'Heavenly Blue'
- 'Kew Blue'
- 'Worcester Gold'
- 'Dark Knight'
- 'Sterling Silver'
- 'Blue Mist'
- 'White Surprise'
- 'Blue Empire'
- 'Arthur Simmonds'
- 'Elst33' (BLUE EMPIRE)
- 'Blue Balloon'
Further Information
- Horticulture Week
- Floramedia
- Burncoose Nurseries
- Jacksons Nurseries
- Proven Winners
- Boomkwekerij Elst-Van Bergen Mts.