Bluebeard Caryopteris × clandonensis Sterling Silver = 'Lissilv' (PBR)
![bluebeard [Sterling Silver]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b57e596294.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
Caryopteris × clandonensis Sterling Silver, commonly known as Bluebeard, is a relatively compact and bushy shrub with a distinctive appearance. Its foliage is a notable feature, characterized by silvery-grey leaves that offer a unique textural quality to the garden. These leaves are small and ovate to lance-shaped, with a delicate softness to the touch and a shimmering effect in the sunlight. Bluebeard is also prized for its abundant flowering habit, producing clusters of small, tubular flowers that are a deep and vibrant blue hue. These flowers are arrayed in whorls, forming showy, elongated inflorescences that stand out against the silvery foliage. The blossoms typically emerge in late summer and continue into the fall, providing a welcome splash of color as many other plants begin to fade. This ornamental shrub is also favored by pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers. The contrast between the silvery foliage and the vivid blue flowers creates a striking visual effect, making Bluebeard a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of cool-toned elegance to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Bluebeard, Blue Mist, Blue Spirea, Blue Mist Shrub
Common names
Caryopteris × clandonensis Sterling Silver 'Lissilv' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Bluebeard (Caryopteris × clandonensis Sterling Silver) is generally not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of this plant is unlikely to result in poisoning or serious side effects. However, as with any plant material, individual reactions can vary, and it's possible for someone to experience a mild stomach upset if parts of the plant are consumed in large amounts. It is always advisable to prevent ingestion of ornamental plants.
To pets
Bluebeard (Caryopteris × clandonensis Sterling Silver) is generally considered non-toxic to pets. This means that there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from this plant in domestic animals such as dogs and cats. As with any non-food plant, ingestion might cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, but serious toxicity is not expected. Safe practices should still include preventing pets from ingesting plants that are not intended for consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
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
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: This plant is known to attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, which supports local ecosystems and aids in pollination.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Caryopteris × clandonensis Sterling Silver has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This shrub requires minimal care once it is established, reducing the need for regular watering, fertilizing, or pruning.
- Compact Size: The moderate growth habit of Caryopteris × clandonensis Sterling Silver makes it suitable for smaller gardens or as part of a mixed border without overwhelming the space.
- Autumn Interest: With late summer to autumn blooms, this plant adds color and interest to gardens during a time when many other plants may be winding down.
- Deer Resistance: This variety is often resistant to browsing by deer, making it a good choice for areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it will return each year, providing long-term value and interest in the landscape without the need for replanting each spring.
- Easy Propagation: Caryopteris can be easily propagated from softwood cuttings, making it simple for gardeners to create more plants.
- Ornamental Foliage: Its silver-colored leaves add a unique texture and color contrast in the garden, even when the plant is not in flower.
- Seasonal Fragrance: The flowers may offer a light fragrance, adding another sensory dimension to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Attracts Beneficial Insects: 'Sterling Silver' provides nectar and pollen for bees, making it a great addition to support pollinator populations.
- Artistic Medium: The unique silvery foliage of Caryopteris 'Sterling Silver' has been used by artists as inspiration for paintings and other botanical artwork.
- Culinary Garnish: While not widely known for its edibility, the attractive leaves can be used as a decorative garnish for plating dishes in culinary settings.
- Natural Dye: The leaves and flowers of the 'Sterling Silver' might be used in the production of natural dyes for fabric, though this is not a common practice.
- Aromatherapy: The plant's leaves have a distinct aroma which could be utilized in making potpourri or other aromatic blends for aromatherapy uses.
- Decorative Plant Stakes: Dried stems of the Caryopteris 'Sterling Silver' could be used as decorative stakes or supports for other plants in the garden.
- Photography: Its striking foliage and flowers make it a popular subject for garden photographers and plant enthusiasts.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried flowers of the Caryopteris 'Sterling Silver' can be used in floral arrangements to provide a unique silvery-blue accent.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used as an educational tool to demonstrate pruning techniques or to teach about perennial plant life cycles.
- Erosion Control: When planted in mass, Caryopteris 'Sterling Silver' can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain landscapes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bluebeard is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Tranquility: The Caryopteris Sterling Silver, commonly known as the Bluebeard, often symbolizes tranquility due to its silvery foliage and delicate blue flowers, imparting a sense of calm and serenity to the observer.
- Inspiration: Known to attract butterflies, the Bluebeard can symbolize inspiration and creativity, reflecting the muse-like influence of nature on the human spirit.
- New Beginnings: With its ability to thrive and bloom in late summer to fall, the Bluebeard can represent new beginnings or a fresh start, as it brings new life to a garden when many other plants are fading.
- Reflection: The silver hue of its leaves coupled with blue flowers can evoke a sense of reflection, prompting introspection and internal dialogue.
WaterThe Bluebeard 'Sterling Silver' prefers to be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically translates to watering approximately once every week, but frequency should be adjusted depending on climate, weather, and soil drainage. It is important to avoid overwatering, so ensure the soil is well-draining. Apply water slowly and evenly, soaking the ground around the root zone. Under normal conditions, using about 1 gallon of water per plant should be sufficient to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
LightBluebeard 'Sterling Silver' thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can enjoy at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can result in fewer flowers and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureBluebeard 'Sterling Silver' is hardy and does well in a range of temperatures, tolerating minimums down to about 20°F. The plant can survive up to about 90°F but prefers a cooler climate for optimal growth. The ideal temperature range for the Bluebeard plant is between 60°F and 75°F for robust growth and flowering.
PruningPrune the Bluebeard 'Sterling Silver' in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning encourages bushier growth, prevents the plant from becoming woody, and promotes more prolific blooming. Cut the plant back to about 6 to 8 inches from the ground every year. The best time for this is when the threat of frost has passed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBluebeard 'Sterling Silver' thrives best in a well-draining soil mix composed of loamy or sandy soil, with a moderate amount of organic matter to ensure fertility. The ideal pH for this plant should be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingBluebeard 'Sterling Silver' does not require frequent repotting and should be repotted only when it has outgrown its current container, which is usually every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and encourage continued growth.
Humidity & MistingBluebeard 'Sterling Silver' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions, making it adaptable to typical outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, limit water, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and shelter from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCaryopteris × clandonensis Sterling Silver, commonly known as Bluebeard or Blue Mist, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically occurring in spring under warm, moist conditions. Once the seeds have germinated, the seedlings will grow, developing a root system and foliage through the summer months. As a deciduous perennial shrub, it enters a vegetative stage during which it puts on vigorous growth and then flowers late in the summer to early fall, attracting pollinators with clusters of fragrant, blue or lavender blooms. After the flowering period, the plant sets seeds that can disperse to create new plants. As temperatures drop in the fall, Caryopteris × clandonensis enters dormancy, with leaves turning yellow and dropping off. In winter, the plant rests with its root system dormant until temperatures rise again in spring, restarting the cycle with new growth from either existing rootstocks or new seedlings.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Spring
Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Sterling Silver', commonly known as Bluebeard, is most effectively propagated through softwood cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is late spring to early summer when new growth is tender but has not yet hardened. To propagate, cut a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 cm) length of stem, ideally containing a few sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes where roots will form. These cuttings can then be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and placed in a mixture of perlite and peat moss to provide good drainage and moisture retention. The cuttings should be kept moist and under a propagator or plastic cover to maintain humidity until roots develop, which typically takes several weeks. Transplanting into individual pots can take place once the cuttings are sufficiently rooted.
