Caryopteris x clandonensis First Choice (Bluebeard)
Blooming earlier than other earlier bluebeards, award-winner Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘First Choice’ is a compact deciduous shrub of tight habit with deep blue flowers in late summer through early fall. Opening from deep indigo-blue buds, they are attractive to butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects. They contrast nicely with the gray-green foliage of ovate, coarsely toothed, aromatic leaves, which remain fresh-looking all summer long. Valued for its late season blossoms when few other shrubs are in bloom, this easy care shrub is a superb addition to any sunny garden. Perfect for small gardens or containers. Heat tolerant.
Blooming earlier than other earlier bluebeards, award-winner Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice' is a compact deciduous shrub of tight habit with deep blue flowers in late summer through early fall. Opening from deep indigo-blue buds, they are attractive to butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects. They contrast nicely with the gray-green foliage of ovate, coarsely toothed, aromatic leaves, which remain fresh-looking all summer long. Valued for its late season blossoms when few other shrubs are in bloom, this easy care shrub is a superb addition to any sunny garden. Perfect for small gardens or containers. Heat tolerant.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
- Grows up to 24-36 in. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
- A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established. Intolerant of wet, poorly-drained soils.
- Perfect choice for perennial borders, shrub borders, butterfly gardens.
- Attracts butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects but is deer and rabbit resistant.
- Virtually pest free. Watch for capsid bug
- Very little maintenance is needed. Cut hard back in spring to ensure good branch structure.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 5 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 9 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Caryopteris – Bluebeards |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Late)Fall |
| Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Spacing | 30″ – 36″ (75cm – 90cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens, Wall-Side Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |