Bluebeard Bushes

Brilliant Bluebeard Shrubs At NatureHills.com!

The unique Bluebeard flowering shrub (Caryopteris), commonly known as Blue Spirea, is in a family of small shrubs that bloom from late summer through early fall! The pale, sage-like leaves are aromatic for an extra layer of enjoyment!

Caryopteris is a woody deciduous shrub in warmer climates, but in cooler climates, it dies back to the ground in winter like an herbaceous perennial. Caryopteris is Asian in origin and the name is Greek meaning 'winged nut', which refers to the small winged fruit that appears after the flowers are spent.

The mounded form fills out in lush foliage along upright stems and acts as low-growing edging and hedges. Typically royal purple-blue flowers resemble Spirea, forming flat-topped clusters either terminally at the branch ends, or filling out along the entire stem.

Fine-textured accents and sun-loving focal points, the unearthly blue and purple hue stands out in the late months of the growing season! Arriving on the scene when very few other blue-flowering shrubs are in bloom! Much to the delight of your many pollinators and hummingbirds that will seek out this rich nectar and pollen resource!

Bluebeard is used for mixed borders and for a low shrub border. Floral arrangements are enhanced by using airy blue flowers as blue fillers. Even container gardens can benefit from these spray-like mounds as fanciful specimens!

Planting and Application:

Bluebeard bushes are known for their low maintenance and disease resistance! They are drought-tolerant and will perform well in full sun or in light shade. They will not tolerate wet, boggy soils, especially in the winter, so good drainage is essential. Refrain from over-fertilizing, as too much fertilizer will cause more leafy growth than flowers. All plants appreciate a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch.

Bluebeard blooms on new wood, so all winter-damaged branches can be pruned off in early spring without losing any flowers. In colder growing zones where these deciduous shrubs die back, prune back all the stems, nipping back the stems until you see green or all the way back to just above the ground. For a more natural form, warm climate shrubs can be kept informally growing with renewal pruning every few years.

Notable Bluebeard Shrubs at Nature Hills Nursery

From the gorgeous royal blue First Editions® Sapphire Surf™ Bluebeard to the light and airy purple clusters of Arthur J. Simmonds Bluebeard, there is quite a variety for you to choose from!

The brilliant yellow-green foliage of Sunshine Blue® Bluebeard II and Lil Miss Sunshine® Bluebeard will brighten your garden borders, while Petit Bleu™ Bluebeard and Blue Mist Bluebeard are small enough to fit in container planters, along pathways, and in small-space gardens!