Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'CT-9-12'

Proven Winners®

Deepest Blue Flowers Transform this Shrub into a Stunning Ball of Color from Late Summer Through Fall
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 1-3 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Sweetly Fragrant Flowers

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This shrub requires full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. Plenty of sunshine ensures the foliage stays dark and glossy while maximizing the production of those deep blue flower clusters.
Soil: Beyond Midnight needs very well-drained soil and will struggle in spots where water collects after rain. If your garden has heavy clay, mix in some compost or plant the shrub in a slightly raised mound to keep the roots from sitting in soggy conditions.

Watering Requirements

Check the soil every few days during the first growing season and water deeply whenever the top two inches feel dry. Once established, this plant is remarkably drought tolerant and only needs supplemental water during long periods of extreme heat. Consistent moisture during its first year helps build a deep root system that prevents the plant from wilting when summer temperatures peak.

Pruning Tips

Because this shrub blooms on new wood, you should prune it back hard in late winter or early spring before new leaves appear. Think of it like a seasonal haircut; cutting the stems back to about 8 or 12 inches above the ground encourages a flush of fresh, vigorous growth. This technique prevents the plant from becoming leggy and ensures the maximum number of flower buds for the late summer display.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the first green buds start to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers after midsummer because this can stimulate soft growth that will not have time to harden off before the winter cold arrives. A single spring feeding provides all the nutrients necessary for the plant to maintain its intense flower color and healthy foliage throughout the season.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Fragrant, Deer-resistant, Flowering, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts pollinators, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	1-3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Loamy
Growth Rate	Medium
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Blue
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Caryopteris x clandonensis 'CT-9-12'
Species	x clandonensis
Cultivar	CT-9-12
Class	Lamiales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

A gorgeous deep blue shrub, the Proven Winners® Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard PP#27426 ( Caryopteris x clandonensis 'CT-9-12') is a lovely shrub, with a rounded nature and deep green coloring. However, its true value is seen as the season progresses. Long stems shoot up above the glossy, dark-green foliage in late summer, clothed in a multitude of delicate, deep-blue blossoms. The shrub is so populated with long wands of dark blue color that it has the effect of turning the vibrant green shrub into a veritable "ball of blue" in the landscape!

The remarkable flowers last into fall, providing a lively show at a time when other plants are fading. Beyond Midnight® isn't just a pretty face! It's also beloved by butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds who are sure to appreciate its presence in your yard and the late-season nourishment it provides.

Your ColorChoice® Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard is a deciduous, ornamental shrub with a compact form and dense nature. Even though wildlife love it, destructive deer and rabbits will pass it by. Growing throughout USDA planting zones 5 to 9, these deeply saturated leaves and flowers grow just 2-3 feet tall and about 2 feet wide!

Planting and Application:

Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard would look great in a mixed border, or when used as a bright accent and facer planting along the front of your foundation hedges or an evergreen hedgerow. Line garden edges and pathways with these low-growing deeply-hued flowers! Line up a row of these marvelous plants to create a solid, low-growing hedge. They'll accent your walkways, sidewalks, and along your driveway, and help define your garden border.

Fantastic specimens and groupings for your Cottage Garden, and in your perennial border. Beyond Midnight® is even small and hardy enough to use in containers, where its versatile nature is even more pronounced as you can easily move them from the patio to the poolside!

Rock Gardens are ideal locations where these drought-tolerant shrubs thrive. Butterfly Gardens will benefit from Beyond Midnight® blooms. Pair with early blooming and mid-season bloomers to support your local pollinators. Plus you will have plenty of blooms to snip for indoor cut flower arrangements.

Fragrant Blue Flowers
Pollinator Friendly
Aromatic Silvery Green Foliage
Works Well In Containers & As Cut Flowers
Versatile Landscape Use, Low Hedges, Edging & Facer Plants

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Beyond Midnight® is adaptable to full sun in all climates and partial shade in warmer growing zones. Growing best in a variety of soil, adapting to any as long as they are well-drained, while also remaining salt-tolerant and drought-tolerant once established. A 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch is a great idea to retain additional needed moisture.

Bluebeards bloom on this year's wood (new growth) and can be hard-pruned to maintain their trim shape. Growing as perennials in colder climates, leaving the foliage in place over winter to protect the crown from winter weather. In Zones 5 and 6, you can prune them back to the ground each spring before they start to grow. In Zones 7, 8, and 9, you can trim them back by half each year in early spring.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Adaptable To A Variety Of Well-Drained Soils
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
Blooms On New Wood - Prune Early Spring
Deer & Pest-Resistant

Attractive blue flowers on a robust, hardy shrub make the Proven Winner® Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard bush a prime pick for your yard this year! Order these pollinator-friendly shrubs and enjoy them delivered to your doorstep from NatureHills.com!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size (height and width) of Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard?

Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard grows 2-3 feet tall and about 2 feet wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for front borders, pathway edges, or containers where you want late-summer blue blooms without overwhelming nearby plants.

What are the care requirements for Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard, like pruning and fertilizing?

Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard thrives in zones 5-9 with minimal care once established. Prune in late winter before new growth starts, and fertilize lightly in spring. This drought-tolerant shrub needs well-draining soil and full sun for best blooms.

Does Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard require full sun or can it tolerate some shade?

Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard thrives in full sun conditions for optimal flowering and compact growth. While it can tolerate partial shade, you'll get the best late-summer blue blooms and densest form with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

What kind of soil does Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard need—does it require well-drained soil?

Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard thrives in well-drained soil and is notably drought-tolerant once established. This adaptable shrub performs well in average garden conditions throughout zones 5-9. Plant it in locations where water doesn't collect to ensure healthy root development.

How drought tolerant is Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard once established?

Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard is highly drought tolerant once established, thriving in rock gardens and other dry conditions. This compact 2-3 foot shrub performs well in zones 5-9 without supplemental watering after its first season. Water regularly the first year, then enjoy years of low-maintenance blooms available at naturehills.com.

Is Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard deer resistant or do deer eat it?

Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard is deer resistant and typically avoided by deer and rabbits. This makes it an excellent choice for gardens where deer browsing is a problem. Plant it confidently in zones 5-9 as a low hedge or border planting without worrying about deer damage.

When does Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard bloom, and what color are the flowers?

Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard blooms in late summer with deep blue flowers that continue into fall. The delicate blossoms appear on long stems above the dark green foliage, creating a "ball of blue" effect. Plant this 2-3 foot shrub where you want late-season color when other plants are fading.

What are the shipping details—will it arrive dormant or in bloom depending on the season?

Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard ships dormant in winter/early spring and leafed out during growing season. Since it blooms in late summer through fall, spring shipments arrive before flowering begins. Plant upon arrival for best establishment regardless of dormancy state.

Is Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard hardy in cold winters like zone 5?

Yes, Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard is hardy in zone 5 and thrives in USDA zones 5-9. This compact shrub reaches just 2-3 feet tall and withstands cold winters well. Plant it in well-draining soil for best winter survival.

How far apart should I space Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard plants when planting?

Space Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard plants 2-3 feet apart for individual specimens. Since they grow 2 feet wide at maturity, this spacing allows proper air circulation while creating a full look. For a solid hedge effect, plant them 18-24 inches apart.

Beyond Midnight® Bluebeard

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'CT-9-12'