No images found for this plant ID: 8604.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "8604" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
caryopteris
Scientific Name: Caryopteris
Family: Verbenaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Caryopteris: The Bluebeard Genus
Caryopteris, commonly known as Bluebeard, is a genus of flowering plants that offers late-season color and aromatic foliage, making it a popular choice for gardens. Often called Blue Spirea, despite not being related to the Spiraea genus, it attracts pollinators like butterflies and bumblebees.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that Caryopteris has aromatic foliage.
- It is mentioned that the plant produces seeds, which the name of the genus derives from, and these may be small and pose a choking hazard.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions that Caryopteris has aromatic foliage.
- It is mentioned that the plant produces seeds, which the name of the genus derives from, and these may be small and pose a choking hazard.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Caryopteris
- Family: Lamiaceae (formerly placed in Verbenaceae)
- Subfamily: Ajugoideae or Teucrioideae
Nomenclature and Etymology
- The name Caryopteris translates to "winged nut," referring to the winged seeds of the plant.
- For the species Caryopteris clandonensis, the name "clandonensis" means "of Clandon," where it was first raised.
- Synonyms/Alternative Names: Blue Spirea, Blue-mist shrub, Bluebeard Lilac
Distribution and Habitat
- Caryopteris species are native to East Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, and Mongolia.
- They also originate from the Himalayas.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Caryopteris plants are deciduous shrubs or herbaceous perennials.
- They are typically small to medium-sized woody shrubs, often reaching up to 1 meter (approximately 3 feet) in height, though sizes vary between cultivars.
- The plant exhibits arching branches and an upright, compact growth habit.
- Leaves are simple, pointed, soft-green, and often aromatic.
- Flowers are small, blue or white (depending on the variety), and grow in compact clusters in the axils of the leaves, typically appearing in late summer and autumn.
- Some varieties, like 'Hint of Gold', have striking lime-green to golden foliage.
Cultivation and Care
- Caryopteris thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, particularly loose loams.
- It tolerates some drought but is intolerant of wet, poorly-drained soils.
- Pruning hard each spring is recommended to maintain a good compact shape and encourage fresh foliage and flowering.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Caryopteris attracts butterflies and bumblebees, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
- Bees also pollinate the flowers.
Varieties and Cultivars
- Examples of cultivars include:
- Caryopteris clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue'
- Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight'
- Caryopteris clandonensis 'Hint of Gold' (='Lisaura' PBR)
- Caryopteris clandonensis 'Arthur Simmonds'
- Caryopteris clandonensis 'Longwood Blue'
- Caryopteris incana
- Caryopteris divaricata 'Electrum'
- Caryopteris clandonensis 'Ferndown'
- Caryopteris clandonensis 'Blue Balloon'
- Caryopteris clandonensis 'Pink Perfection = Lisspin (PBR)'
Resources
- Bristol Zoo Gardens holds a Caryopteris collection.