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Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Kew Blue'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

bluebeard 'Kew Blue'

A compact, rounded shrub, with toothed grey-green leaves and clusters of small, dark blue flowers appearing on the leaf axils in late summer and early autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 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

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
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

Accepted

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 by 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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • 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

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