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Caryopteris × clandonensis Blue Balloon ('Korball')
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

bluebeard [Blue Balloon]

A compact, rounded deciduous shrub with upright stems and long, aromatic toothed dark green foliage which is grey-silver underneath. Dark blue fragrant flowers appear from late summer through until the autumn

Synonyms
Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Korball'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Blue Green Grey Silver
Autumn Blue Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Caryopteris can be deciduous shrubs or perennials, with aromatic, simple leaves and small blue or white flowers in compact axillary clusters in late summer and autumn

Name status

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, light, well-drained soil in full sun. In areas where summers are cool or winter temperatures fall below -15°C it is ideal for planting near a warm sunny wall

Propagation

Propagate y softwood cuttings which can be taken between spring and midsummer; semi-ripe cuttings from mid to late summer and hardwood cuttings from late autumn to midwinter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 6

Pests

May be susceptible to capsid bug which causes leaf distortion

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

Get involved

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