Bluebeard, a shrub that is also known as blue mist or blue spirea, can take the worst of a hot summer (heat, lack of water, and humidity) and still manage to perform well. It generally lives four to five years before it needs replacing, but during that time it offers dependable foliage and pretty blue flowers from mid to late summer. Bluebeard forms low-growing, finely textured mounds and is deer resistant.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsRelatively drought tolerant and very heat tolerant.
CareBluebeard likes full sun to partial shade and very well-drained soil that is not overly rich. Cut back in late winter for a strong, dense shrub in summer.
PropagationSeparate rooted stems from parent plant, and transplant in early spring. Also from softwood cuttings.
ProblemsInfrequent. Capsid bugs may affect leaves. May need to be hard-pruned in spring in areas with severe winters.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Water Right PSH-100-MG-1PKRS 400 Series, 100-Foot, Olive Green
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
XLUX Soil Moisture Meter
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Rain Bird PATIOKIT Drip Irrigation Patio Watering Kit
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Caryopteris
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
- Zones : 6, 7, 8, 9
- Characteristics : Attracts Bees, Attracts Hummingbirds
- Tolerance : Deer Tolerant
- Moisture : Dry to Medium
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Light : Full Sun
- Maintenance : Low
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Bloom Time : Summer
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.