Pink Perfection Bluebeard Caryopteris × clandonensis Pink Perfection = 'Lisspin' (PBR)
ABOUT
Caryopteris × clandonensis Pink Perfection, commonly known as Pink Perfection, is a distinctive shrub recognized for its unique flowering and foliage characteristics. The plant sports a mass of soft, lance-shaped leaves that typically exhibit a grey-green hue. These leaves create a pleasing contrast with the plant's standout feature—its blossoms. The Pink Perfection variety is named for its charming flowers that bloom in shades of soft pink, delivering a rare color theme within the commonly blue-flowering Caryopteris genus. The flowers of the Pink Perfection are arranged in tight clusters, known as inflorescences, that encircle the stem, creating a profusion of color that captivates the eye. The vibrant blooms often attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding dynamic life to the garden. Additionally, this deciduous shrub will experience a seasonal transformation, with foliage losing its vibrancy in colder months, indicating a dormant phase. Overall, the Pink Perfection presents itself as an appealing ornamental shrub, drawing attention with its pastel floral display and contrasting grey-green foliage. Its appearance provides a delightful accent to any garden space, being both visually striking and supportive of local wildlife.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Pink Perfection Bluebeard, Pink Perfection Blue Mist.
Common names
Caryopteris × clandonensis Pink Perfection = 'Lisspin' (PBR).
- Toxicity
To humans
Bluebeard, including the variety Caryopteris × clandonensis Pink Perfection, is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant. It is generally considered safe around adults and children, but as with any plant, it is still advisable to avoid ingesting it as a precaution.
To pets
Bluebeard is also not recognized as a toxic plant to pets. It should not cause any symptoms of poisoning if your pet happens to ingest parts of the plant. Nonetheless, keeping an eye on your pet and preventing them from eating non-food plants is always a good practice to avoid any potential gastrointestinal discomfort that might arise from ingesting plant material that is not part of their normal diet.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Hybrid origin
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Pink Perfection' is known to attract bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of pollinator populations.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it possesses good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is considered easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and upkeep once established in the appropriate growing conditions.
- Long Blooming Period: The 'Pink Perfection' variety typically enjoys a long flowering season from late summer into autumn, providing extended garden interest.
- Compact Growth: It's well-suited to small gardens or spaces due to its compact growth habit.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is resistant to browsing by deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer are a common garden concern.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its unique pink flowers and attractive foliage, it adds a splash of color and visual interest to garden landscapes.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Caryopteris, also known as bluebeard, can be used in floral arrangements, either fresh or dried, for its unique blue to violet flower color that adds a special touch to bouquets and decorations.
- The dried leaves of bluebeard can be included in potpourri mixtures for a subtle, herby fragrance.
- Bluebeard is attractive to bees and butterflies, making it useful for gardeners looking to promote pollinator activity in their gardens.
- Its compact size and attractive foliage make Caryopteris a suitable choice for a low hedge or garden border without requiring extensive trimming.
- With its tolerance for drought and poor soil, bluebeard can be employed in xeriscaping designs to create sustainable, low-water-use landscapes.
- Because of its late bloom period, Caryopteris provides an important source of nectar for pollinators when other plants are finished flowering in the fall.
- Caryopteris clippings can be used as natural mulch to help retain soil moisture and deter weeds around other plants in the garden.
- The gray-green foliage of bluebeard contrasts well with other garden plants and can be used to create a visually appealing foliage tapestry.
- Its compact habit and sequential flowering make Caryopteris ideal for small urban gardens, providing color and interest in limited spaces.
- The aromatic foliage of bluebeard can deter certain garden pests, making it a companion plant in vegetable gardens or ornamental beds.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Bluebeard is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Bluebeard is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Tranquility: The delicate pink flowers of the Caryopteris, commonly known as Bluebeard or Blue Spirea, can evoke a sense of calm and peace.
- Harmony with Nature: Being a plant that attracts butterflies and bees, it symbolizes a connection with the natural world and its rhythms.
- Longevity: As a perennial plant, it returns year after year, representing resilience and the passage of time.
- Humility: Bluebeard is not typically known for being showy or ostentatious, which can be seen as a symbol of modesty and unassuming grace.
- New Beginnings: Since Bluebeard blooms in late summer to fall, it can signify the start of a new cycle or phase in life.
- Water
The Bluebeard 'Pink Perfection' should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Typically, this would mean watering approximately once a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, it may require watering twice a week. Aim for about 1 inch of water, which translates to about 0.6 gallons per square foot every week. It is best to water directly at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Be sure to adjust watering based on rainfall, as less supplemental water will be needed during wet periods.
- Light
Bluebeard 'Pink Perfection' thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A spot that provides ample morning sunlight with some protection from the harsh afternoon sun can be ideal, especially in hotter climates. However, the plant is adaptable and can also tolerate partial shade, although it may bloom less profusely in less than full sun.
- Temperature
Bluebeard 'Pink Perfection' prefers temperate conditions and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. It can withstand a minimum temperature of about -20 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can tolerate temperatures up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and to provide protection from harsh winter conditions with adequate mulching or cover.
- Pruning
Prune Bluebeard 'Pink Perfection' in late winter or early spring, cutting back the previous year's growth to about 6 to 8 inches above ground level. This encourages healthy new growth and more prolific blooming. It can also be pruned after flowering in late summer or fall to maintain shape and remove spent blooms, though this is less crucial than the spring pruning. Annually pruning will help to prevent the center of the plant from becoming woody and sparse.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Bluebeard 'Pink Perfection' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix consists of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Repotting
Bluebeard 'Pink Perfection' does not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when the root system outgrows the current pot.
- Humidity & Misting
Bluebeard 'Pink Perfection' is not particularly demanding regarding humidity; average ambient humidity is typically sufficient for this plant.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Bluebeard 'Pink Perfection' in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The 'Pink Perfection' Bluebeard (Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Lisspin' PBR) begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring after the last frost, under the right conditions of warmth and moisture. Seedlings will then establish themselves, developing root systems and foliage throughout the spring and into early summer. As the plant matures, it produces distinctive pink flowers by late summer to early fall, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to its nectar-rich blossoms. After flowering, the plant will set seed, which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, completing the reproductive phase of its life cycle. With the onset of winter, the bluebeard becomes dormant, losing most of its leaves and withstanding cold with its woody stems. Come spring, the plant will resume growth from its existing root system, or new plants will grow from seeds sown the previous year.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The Caryopteris × clandonensis Pink Perfection, also commonly referred to as 'Bluebeard', is generally propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The optimal time to take these cuttings is in late summer to early fall after the plant has flowered and new growth has started to mature but hasn't yet turned hard and woody. To propagate, select healthy stems and cut sections that are about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, making sure each cutting has several leaves. The bottom end of the cutting is then dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix. It is important to maintain consistent moisture and provide gentle warmth to facilitate rooting. After a few weeks, roots should develop, and the new Bluebeard plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being transplanted into the garden.