Overview
Caryopteris clandonensis 'Kew Blue' is a bushy shrub in the genus Caryopteris, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Caryopteris clandonensis 'Kew Blue' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, hedging and wildlife 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 to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moderate
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Caryopteris clandonensis 'Kew Blue' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, hedging, wildlife gardens
- Fragrance
- Mildly aromatic flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Caryopteris clandonensis 'Kew Blue'
- 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 'Kew Blue'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Caryopteris clandonensis 'Kew Blue'?
Caryopteris clandonensis 'Kew Blue' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Caryopteris clandonensis 'Kew Blue' need?
Caryopteris clandonensis 'Kew Blue' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Caryopteris clandonensis 'Kew Blue'?
Prune hard in early spring to encourage bushy growth.
Is Caryopteris clandonensis 'Kew Blue' hardy in the UK?
Caryopteris clandonensis 'Kew Blue' 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 'Kew Blue'?
Softwood cuttings in summer.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.