‘First Choice’ is ideal for a mixed or shrub border. It’s an attractive woody shrub with dark green leaves, dark purplish blue flowers, and a compact habit. Misty blue flowers appear in late summer and early autumn.This plant is relatively drought tolerant and very heat tolerant. The shrub expands as branches that touch the ground form their own roots and may self-seed.

CareGrow in well-drained soil that is not overly rich. Trim back in spring to keep rounded clump form. Cut back to 3-inch stems in late winter to promote vigorous branching growth. May need to be hard pruned in spring in areas with severe winters.

PropagationSeparate rooted stems from parent plant and transplant in early spring. Root softwood cuttings in late spring, or greenwood cuttings in early summer.

ProblemsInfrequent. Capsid bugs may affect leaves.

• Genus : Caryopteris
• Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
• Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
• Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
• Moisture : Adaptable
• Bloom Time : Fall, Late Summer, Summer
• Growth Rate : Fast
• Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Showy Foliage
• Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Maintenance : Low
• Plant Type : Shrubs
• Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest