Caryopteris, Dark Knight

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight'

Height: 2-3ft
Spread: 2-3ft
Zone: 5-9
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Bloom Time/Color: July-September; blue
Uses: Massing, specimen, borders
Maintenance: Low
Other: Attracts butterflies, fragrant

One of the few shrubs that has blue flowers, bluebeard is also notable for its drought tolerance and ability to attract masses of butterflies. It is characterized by fluffy spires of sweetly scented blue flowers in summer that seem to bloom off and on until frost. Masses of dark blue-green leaves (with silvery undersides) cover the dwarf shrubs which adds to its usefulness tucked amidst perennials. Bluebeard does best in very well-drained soils in full sun and are often disease/insect resistant. Blooms occur on new growth and thus can be pruned back in spring.