Blue Mist Spirea, Shrub / Woody Plant of The Day

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Longwood Blue'
    Blue Mist Spirea,  Bluebeard

Type    Shrub, woody plant

Hardy range    6A to 9B
Height    36" to 5' / 90cm to 1.40m
Spread    36" to 4' / 90cm to 1.20m
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    Blue and purple
Bloom Time    Summer and Fall

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green and silvery
This plant has attractive foliage and fragrant foliage.

Culture Notes
Caryopteris is grown for its attractive, fragrant foliage and flowers.  Blooms appear on current year's growth and appear from late summer through early autumn.  Place in full sun for best flowering. Plant dies back and can be treated as a perennial.  Plants attract an assortment of pollinators.  The bumblebee seems to prefer the blossom.   Plants also serve as butterfly nectar sources.  Prune away flower heads after they are spent to avoid seeding.  This will also help in the vigor of the shrub.  Avoid planting in heavy wet soils.  Plant with: Buddleia, Helianthus, Heliopsis, Vitex, and Veronica sp.