In short
- A low subshrub (0.6–1 m) for sunny, dry borders.
- Flowers from August to October — a valuable late nectar source.
- Aromatic, silvery-green foliage is fragrant when crushed.
- Flowers on the current year's wood — cut back hard in early spring.
- Markedly drought-loving; needs free-draining soil and dislikes a wet winter.
Botanical data
- Family
- Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae)
- Height
- 0.6–1 m
- Width
- 0.6–1.2 m
- Habit
- Rounded
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Position
- Full sun
- Soil
- Sandy, Chalky, Loamy
- pH reaction
- pH 6–8
- Moisture
- Dry, Moderate
- Bloom
- August–October
- Hardiness
- USDA 5b–9a
- Propagation
- From cuttings
Characteristics
Forms a compact, rounded mound 0.6–1 m tall. The narrow, toothed leaves are grey-green, silvery beneath and distinctly aromatic. The small, blue-violet flowers are borne in dense false whorls in the leaf axils at the ends of the current year's shoots, creating the impression of a blue mist.
Growing and care
Watering
A markedly drought-loving plant. Once established it needs virtually no watering; wet, heavy soil, especially in winter, is fatal to it.
Fertilizing
Sparingly — excess nitrogen produces lush growth at the expense of flowering and weakens winter hardiness.
Planting
A site in full sun with light, free-draining soil; on heavy ground add grit. Plant in spring so the plant can root in before winter.
Pruning calendar
Pruning group: Summer-flowering shrubs (on new growth)
What and how to cut
In early spring, before growth starts, cut last year's shoots back low — above the second or third pair of healthy buds above the woody framework; remove weak and dead shoots.
In early spring (March–April), before growth begins.
What not to do
Don't prune in autumn (fresh wounds suffer frost damage) or after the buds have set in midsummer.
Companion plants
Good companions
Identical requirements — full sun, dry, free-draining soil; the blue flowers of bluebeard take over in late summer, once the lavender has finished.
A similar, drought-loving subshrub with silvery foliage and blue-violet flowers — together they make a coherent, late-summer pollinator planting.
Flowers at the same time and likes a sunny, free-draining site; it contrasts warm pink with the cool blue of bluebeard and attracts butterflies.
Bad companions
They need moist soil and shade — conditions in which bluebeard rots at the roots and flowers poorly.
The evidence level indicates whether the relationship is backed by research, observation, or gardening tradition.
Toxicity
| For whom | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Humans | None | — |
| Dogs | None | — |
| Cats | None | — |
History and origin
The hybrid arose in the 1930s in the garden of Clandon in Surrey (hence the epithet clandonensis) from a cross of two Asian bluebeard species. It was quickly valued as one of the few shrubs with truly blue flowers and as a plant that extends the flowering season in the ornamental garden.
Uses
For sunny perennial borders, gravel and Mediterranean gardens, as edging and for container cultivation on the patio. Especially valuable in plantings aimed at late-summer and autumn flowering for pollinators.
Trivia
- Crushed leaves give off a spicy-balsamic scent, which is why animals and pests usually leave it alone.
- It belongs to the same family as sage and lavender (the mint family), with which it shares a love of sun and drought.
Frequently asked questions
When and how should bluebeard be pruned?
In early spring, before growth begins, cut it back hard — to 15–20 cm above the ground. Bluebeard flowers on the current year's wood, so hard pruning does not harm the flowering but strengthens it and keeps the habit compact.
Will bluebeard survive winter in central Europe?
In warmer, sheltered spots yes; in cooler areas the shoots may die back and the plant regrows from the base in spring. Free-draining soil is crucial — winter wet harms it more than frost itself. It is worth lightly protecting the base of the shrub.
Why is bluebeard worth planting?
It is one of the few shrubs that flower blue in late summer and autumn, when forage is scarce in the garden. It is highly melliferous, drought-loving and undemanding, and its aromatic foliage adorns the border as well.
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)Database (GBIF, POWO…)
- RHS — Caryopteris × clandonensisInstitution / botanical garden
My note
A private note for this plant — saved in your browser.
