Bluebeard Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Arthur Simmonds'
ABOUT
Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Arthur Simmonds,' commonly known as blue mist spirea or bluebeard, is a compact shrub that boasts a profusion of eye-catching attributes. One of the most striking features is its foliage, which is made up of small, oval leaves with a soft, silvery-green hue that gives the plant a fine-textured appearance. The leaves often have serrated edges and can emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed or brushed against. During the flowering season, this plant becomes a focal point in the garden, thanks to its abundant clusters of small, vibrant blue to violet flowers. These blossoms are known for creating a 'misty' effect that seems to hover around the plant like a cloud. Flowers typically appear at the end of the branches, presenting a showy contrast against the lighter foliage. Blue mist spirea also holds an extended bloom period that usually spans from late summer into fall, providing a sustained splash of color during a time when many other plants have completed their flowering cycle. The visual appeal of the blue flowers, combined with the delicate foliage, makes for an enchanting addition to any landscape setting, and the plant can serve as an excellent attractant for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding an extra layer of dynamism to its presence.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Bluebeard, Blue Spirea, Blue Mist
Common names
Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Arthur Simmonds'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bluebeard (Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Arthur Simmonds') is not commonly known for being toxic to humans. Most parts of the plant, if ingested, are unlikely to cause severe poisoning. However, as with many plants, some individuals may experience mild stomach upset or allergic reactions if they consume parts of the plant or come into contact with its sap. It is generally wise to avoid eating any part of ornamental plants as they are not intended for human consumption.
To pets
Bluebeard (Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Arthur Simmonds') is not typically toxic to pets either. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning in pets from ingesting this plant. Nevertheless, it's always a good practice to prevent pets from nibbling on ornamental plants, as they can still potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upsets or allergic reactions in some animals. If any part of the plant is ingested by a pet and an adverse reaction is observed, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Caryopteris, commonly known as Bluebeard, is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, providing a valuable food source for these insects.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Bluebeard is tolerant of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it a good choice for water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Bluebeard is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once it is established in a suitable location.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant blue flowers and attractive foliage, Bluebeard adds color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Deer Resistant: Bluebeard is less palatable to deer compared to many other garden plants, which makes it a good choice for areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Compact Size: The compact growth habit of Bluebeard makes it suitable for smaller gardens or as part of mixed borders without overwhelming other plants.
- Seasonal Interest: Bluebeard provides late summer to fall blossoms, a time when many other plants have finished flowering, extending the garden's bloom period.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a herbaceous perennial, Bluebeard dies back in winter and returns each spring, providing a reliable presence in the garden year after year.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Caryopteris, also known as bluebeard, can be used in potpourris for its pleasant fragrance, contributing a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Dye can be extracted from the foliage of bluebeard plants to achieve subtle green shades in textile projects.
- The wood of Caryopteris × clandonensis is sometimes used in small-scale carving or for creating decorative objects due to its fine grain.
- Gardeners may use the dried stems of bluebeard in floral arrangements, as they provide an interesting shape and texture.
- Bluebeard plants are incorporated into educational gardens to attract pollinators and teach about wildlife-friendly gardening practices.
- The blooms of bluebeard can be used as a natural confetti for outdoor celebrations, decomposing without harm to the environment.
- Caryopteris leaves can be strewn among linens to impart a light fragrance and deter insects such as moths.
- Bluebeard branches can be woven into informal garden fencing or trellises to add a rustic touch to garden spaces.
- The silver-green foliage of bluebeard provides a cooling visual element in garden design, particularly in hot, dry landscapes.
- Pressed leaves and flowers of Caryopteris are used in craft projects, such as creating bookmarks or decorating homemade cards.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bluebeard is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bluebeard is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Tranquility: Caryopteris, also known as Blue Mist Shrub, often evokes a sense of calm and serenity, perhaps due to its soft blue hues and gentle appearance.
- Attraction: The Blue Mist Shrub is known for attracting bees and butterflies, symbolizing allure and the ability to attract others with one's charm.
- Humility: Despite its beauty, Caryopteris maintains a modest stature in the garden, rarely overpowering other plants, which can symbolize humility and understated grace.
WaterThe Blue Mist Shrub prefers moderate moisture and should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Depending on the weather conditions, you might need to adjust the watering frequency, but as a general rule, provide about 1 inch of water each week. During particularly hot or dry spells, you may need to increase watering to twice a week, ensuring you provide enough water to soak the root zone. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases, and instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation. During the winter, reduce the watering significantly as the plant requires less moisture when dormant.
LightThe Blue Mist Shrub thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant is an area where it is exposed to the morning sun and protected from the intense late afternoon sun, if the climate is particularly hot. Partial shade is also tolerable, but the plant may produce fewer flowers and have a less dense growth habit.
TemperatureThe Blue Mist Shrub performs well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers a temperate climate. It is hardy in zones 5 through 9, withstanding minimum winter temperatures down to -20°F. The ideal growing temperature for this shrub is between 60°F and 70°F. It is likely to suffer if exposed to temperatures above 95°F for prolonged periods or below the hardiness range.
PruningPruning the Blue Mist Shrub is important to encourage bushier growth and more prolific blooming. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune up to one-third of the old wood to maintain a desirable shape and remove any dead or damaged stems. The plant blooms on new wood, so timely pruning ensures a good display of flowers each year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBluebeard prefers well-drained soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. An ideal soil mixture for 'Arthur Simmonds' would consist of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand. Ensure adequate drainage as the roots are prone to rot in overly wet conditions. Mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
RepottingBluebeard doesn't typically require frequent repotting as it is often grown as a woody perennial shrub in the garden. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use fresh, well-draining soil mix to replenish nutrient availability.
Humidity & MistingBluebeard prefers low to moderate humidity typical of outdoor environments. This plant is quite adaptable, but excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases. Thus, a drier climate or placement in an area with good air circulation is beneficial for 'Arthur Simmonds'.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light and well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, prune in spring.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCaryopteris × clandonensis 'Arthur Simmonds', commonly known as Bluebeard 'Arthur Simmonds', begins its life cycle with seed germination in the spring, provided the seeds find suitable moist soil conditions and temperatures. Seedlings quickly develop into young plants with rapid vegetative growth throughout the spring and early summer, producing lance-shaped leaves. By late summer, the plant enters its flowering phase, showcasing clusters of small blue or violet flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following pollination, the flowers develop into small, inconspicuous fruits (nutlets), which contain seeds for the next generation. As a deciduous shrub, Bluebeard 'Arthur Simmonds' undergoes a period of dormancy in the winter months after its leaves turn yellow and fall off. In early spring, new growth emerges from the woody stems, marking the beginning of a new life cycle for the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
Propogation: Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Arthur Simmonds', commonly known as Bluebeard or Blue Mist Shrub, is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings in the late spring or early summer. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would snip a 3-5 inch (8-13 cm) stem piece that has no flowers, strip the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. This stem is then inserted into a well-draining potting mix and kept under high humidity, sometimes with the aid of a plastic cover, and at a consistent temperature. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before being planted in their final location in the garden.
