Bluebeard Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue'
ABOUT
'Heavenly Blue' is a deciduous shrub known for its attractive foliage and profusion of flowers. The leaves of this plant are a soft, grayish-green color and are lance-shaped with a somewhat serrated edge. The foliage can add a fine texture to garden compositions, providing a delicate backdrop for other plants. What truly sets 'Heavenly Blue' apart is its vibrant blue flowers, which emerge in late summer or early fall. These small, tubular flowers are clustered together in whorls, creating a showy display that covers the shrub. The blossoms can be described as a deep, azure blue, which is quite eye-catching among the common greens of a garden. The plant has a mounded and slightly spreading habit with branches that arch gracefully. The overall impression is that of a relaxed, informal shrub that adds a pop of color and a casual elegance to the spaces where it grows. Without mentioning specific dimensions, 'Heavenly Blue' has a size that makes it suitable for incorporating into mixed borders, beds, and as part of foundation plantings. It can also serve well as a specimen or in mass plantings for a more dramatic effect. Throughout the growing season, it can attract pollinators, like bees and butterflies, adding not only visual but also ecological appeal to gardens and landscapes. Its appearance is that of a well-balanced plant that combines ornamental leaves with a profusion of flowers, offering visual interest from mid-summer into the fall.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Bluebeard, Blue Mist, Blue Spirea
Common names
Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bluebeard is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or serious adverse effects from ingesting this plant. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is still prudent to avoid ingestion and exercise caution, especially with children and individuals with plant sensitivities or allergies.
To pets
Bluebeard is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets. It is generally regarded as safe for dogs and cats, and there have been no significant reports of poisoning in pets from consuming this plant. Nonetheless, monitoring pets and preventing them from eating large quantities of any non-food plant is advisable, as individual reactions can vary, and it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in significant amounts.
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 'Heavenly Blue', commonly known as Bluebeard, is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, which is essential for garden pollination and supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is tolerant to drought, making it a suitable choice for gardens in areas with low rainfall or for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance landscaping.
- Easy to Care: Bluebeard is known for being easy to grow and care for, requiring minimal maintenance, which makes it a good choice for novice gardeners or those with limited time.
- Deer Resistant: This plant is not typically favored by deer, making it an excellent option for gardens in areas where deer browsing may be a concern.
- Late Season Blooms: Bluebeard flowers in late summer to early fall, providing colorful blooms when many other plants have finished flowering, thus extending the visual interest in the garden.
- Compact Size: Its compact size makes Bluebeard suitable for small gardens, borders, and containers without overwhelming the space.
- Aromatic Foliage: The leaves of the Bluebeard plant are fragrant, which can add a pleasant aroma to the garden and deter certain garden pests.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Caryopteris, commonly known as Bluebeard, can be used in creating natural dyes; the flowers may produce varying shades of blue or purple depending on the mordant used.
- Bluebeard plant trimmings can be added to compost as a green material which is rich in nitrogen and helps to heat up the compost pile effectively.
- The woody stems of mature Bluebeard plants can be used in small scale crafting, such as making miniature garden stakes, or even as natural stirring sticks.
- When dried, Bluebeard’s aromatic foliage can be used to create homemade potpourri, adding a pleasant fragrance to your home.
- Bluebeard branches can offer structural support for climbing plants or vines in a mixed garden bed or border.
- Bluebeard can be planted to provide a protective ground cover for small beneficial insects and pollinators seeking refuge from predators.
- Dried Bluebeard flowers can be incorporated into decorative wreaths and floral arrangements for a touch of natural beauty.
- The dense habit of Bluebeard can be used to create a natural border or low hedge in formal garden designs.
- Bluebeard plants are useful as a natural method to prevent soil erosion on slopes or banks due to their root structure and growth habit.
- You can use the silvery-green foliage of Bluebeard as a unique contrast in cut flower arrangements, providing a different texture and color dimension.
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: The soothing blue flowers of 'Heavenly Blue' are often associated with a sense of peace and calmness, reminiscent of the clear blue sky.
- Optimism: Bluebeard's vibrant blue hues can signify optimism and a positive outlook, bringing a bright splash of color to the landscape.
- Spiritual elevation: Some people might see the 'heavenly' aspect of Bluebeard as a symbol of higher thought and spiritual awareness, evoking a connection with the celestial.
WaterBluebeard, or Caryopteris 'Heavenly Blue', should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the water to penetrate the soil to encourage deep root growth. During periods of extreme heat or drought, increase watering frequency to twice per week. Each watering session should provide the plant with about 1 gallon of water, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In cooler temperatures or when rainfall is abundant, reduce the amount of water to prevent overwatering. It's essential to avoid water sitting at the base, as this can lead to root rot.
LightBluebeard prefers full sun to thrive, benefiting from at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for 'Heavenly Blue' is in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. If planted in a spot with too much shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer blooms.
TemperatureBluebeard is hardy in a range between 20 degrees and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This shrub prefers temperatures on the cooler side and does well in regions where it can enjoy a period of winter chill, as it encourages better blooming in the spring and summer. The ideal growing conditions for 'Heavenly Blue' fall within the range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningBluebeard benefits from annual pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Prune 'Heavenly Blue' in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back by about one-third to one-half of its size. This helps remove any dead or woody stems and rejuvenates the plant for the upcoming growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlue Mist Shrub prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, incorporating organic matter like compost can improve soil structure and fertility. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand would create an ideal environment for this plant.
RepottingBlue Mist Shrub, being a woody perennial, does not typically require frequent repotting. It should be repotted if it outgrows its container or if the soil is depleted, usually every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingBlue Mist Shrub is tolerant of a range of humidity levels but prefers average to low humidity typical of outdoor conditions, without the need for additional humidity measures indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to light shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCaryopteris × clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue', commonly known as Bluebeard, begins its lifecycle with seed germination in spring, requiring well-draining soil and ample warmth to sprout. Upon sprouting, the seedling grows rapidly during the warm months, with foliage developing into a mounded form. As a deciduous perennial subshrub, it enters a vegetative stage where stems harden slightly, and leaves mature to produce long-lasting, aromatic, blue to violet flowers by late summer or early fall which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, Bluebeard sets seeds that are dispersed by wind or wildlife, enabling the potential for new plant growth in the surrounding area. With the onset of winter, the plant will die back to the ground in colder climates, becoming dormant. In spring, new growth resumes from the roots or from the basal parts of the stems, thus repeating the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue', also known as Blue Mist Shrub or Bluebeard, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is best done in late summer. Cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length of stem that has matured from the current season's growth, ensuring there are several sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Then, insert the cutting into a prepared pot with well-draining potting mix or a mixture of peat and perlite. The cutting should be kept in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight and maintained at high humidity, often through the use of a plastic cover. Roots typically form within a few weeks, after which the young plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being transplanted into the garden.
