Caryopteris x clandonensis 'FERNDOWN' bluebeard, blue spirea

Ferndown is a bluebeard variety offering a little bit more compact habit as opposed to the species. In late summer it has profusion of deep violet blue flowers that attract bumble bees and butterflies. The narrowly lance-shaped leaves are somewhat blue-green with silvery undertone. They have an interesting scent which recalls cooking herbs. From pollinated flowers Ferndown bluebeard manages to makes seeds in mid autumn, they are green and blue so the colour play continues even after the flowers have gone.

The shrub grows fast and has to be pruned hard every spring to about one third of previous year’s growth to encourage strong, new branching that will bloom even more profusely. It forms an airy bush yet keeping a nice fountain-like habit. It is a very nice addition to late summer and autumn borders combining well with pink gauras and feathery grasses.

Bluebeard is soil tolerant, however, it does best in fertile, very well-drained soil in full sun. Fully hardy to about -25°C, in free-draining soil even to -27°C (USDA zone 5b). In zones 4 and 5a it acts like a perennial.

Last update 18-10-2015