Overview
Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight' is a compact, bushy, mound-forming shrub in the genus Caryopteris, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous, grey-green, aromatic foliage. Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and pollinator gardens.
About
Caryopteris × clandonensis, the bluebeard, blue mist, blue-mist shrub, or blue spirea, is an artificial hybrid species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae. Its parents are Caryopteris incana and Caryopteris mongholica.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Caryopteris × clandonensis
About the genus
Caryopteris is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. They are native to east Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Caryopteris", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Caryopteris
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Caryopteris
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Compact, Bushy, Mound-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Grey-green, Aromatic
- Suggested uses
- borders, containers, pollinator gardens
- Fragrance
- mildly aromatic foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight'
- Cultivation
- plant in well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- prune hard in early spring to encourage bushy growth
- Propagation
- softwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Capsid bugs
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight'?
Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight' need?
Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight'?
Prune hard in early spring to encourage bushy growth.
Is Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight' hardy in the UK?
Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight'?
Softwood cuttings in summer.