Bluebeard Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Summer Sorbet' (PBR) (v)
ABOUT
Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Summer Sorbet', also known as Bluebeard 'Summer Sorbet', is a visually striking plant that showcases a harmonious blend of foliage and floral elements. Its leaves present a unique variegation pattern; the center of the leaves display a bright, fresh green color, while the margins are edged with a creamy yellow, creating a vibrant contrast that's reminiscent of a refreshing summer dessert. During the blooming period, 'Summer Sorbet' becomes even more spectacular with the addition of soft blue flowers that cluster together in small, rounded groupings at the stem terminals. These flowers provide a striking contrast against the variegated leaves, further enhancing the plant's ornamental appeal. The blooming period typically occurs later in the summer and can last into the fall, offering a long-lasting splash of color to any garden setting. With its bushy and compact habit, Bluebeard 'Summer Sorbet' is often used as a standout specimen in a bed or border, but it can also be incorporated into mixed container plantings. Its dual-toned leaves and enchanting blue blooms create a delightful visual impact, and when in flower, it may attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to the garden's overall dynamism. The texture of the foliage is slightly coarse, adding another layer of visual interest, and when touched or brushed, the leaves can release a light, aromatic fragrance. 'Summer Sorbet' is a garden favorite for those seeking an eye-catching and easy-to-maintain plant that continues to provide visual interest throughout the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Bluebeard, Blue Spirea, Blue Mist.
Common names
Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Summer Sorbet' (PBR) (v)
ToxicityTo humans
Bluebeard (Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Summer Sorbet') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant typically does not result in poisoning or adverse health effects. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause mild reactions in some people.
To pets
Bluebeard (Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Summer Sorbet') is not known to be toxic to pets. It is considered safe around animals, and there should be no symptoms of poisoning expected if pets ingest part of the plant. As with all plants, monitoring for any signs of an unusual reaction is advised, but serious toxicity is not anticipated.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Blue
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 Beneficial Insects: Caryopteris 'Summer Sorbet' draws in bees and butterflies which are essential for pollination.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively tolerant of dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once it is established, making it user-friendly for gardeners of all levels.
- Compact Size: Its small stature makes it suitable for smaller gardens or mixed borders without overcrowding.
- Deer Resistance: Less prone to deer damage, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a common problem.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers late summer and autumn blooms when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Variegated foliage and blue flowers add visual interest and contrast to garden settings.
- Ease of Propagation: Can be propagated fairly easily from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for other areas or sharing.
- Fast Growth: Has a relatively quick growth rate, so it doesn't take long to establish and become a feature in the garden.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of garden styles, including cottage gardens, rock gardens, and modern urban spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Caryopteris, also known as Bluebeard, with its striking blue flowers, can be used as a subject in botanical illustration and watercolor painting due to its unique hue and structure.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The Bluebeard’s blue flowers can potentially be used in the creation of natural fabric dyes, providing a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Education and Research: Bluebeard can serve as an example in educational botanical gardens or institutions, helping students to learn about plant biology, hybridization, and horticulture practices.
- Garden Design and Landscaping: Bluebeard can be used to create a 'living wall' or as part of a vertical garden due to its upright growth habit, adding layers and depth to garden spaces.
- Photography: The unique coloration and structure of Bluebeard makes it a compelling subject for photographers, especially for macro photography exploring the textures and details of the plant.
- Eco-friendly Garden Practices: By planting Bluebeard, gardeners can promote eco-friendly practices, as it does not require much water once established and can help reduce watering needs.
- Culinary Garnish: While typically not consumed, the flowers of Bluebeard could be used as an ornamental garnish for salads or desserts to add a splash of color.
- Crafts and Decoration: Dried Bluebeard flowers can be used in crafting, such as in potpourri mixes or as part of dried flower arrangements for home decoration.
- Thematic Gardens: Bluebeard can be included in themed garden spaces, such as blue-colored gardens or 'moonlight' gardens, designed to be enjoyed in the evening when lighter colored blooms stand out.
- Wildlife Habitats: Planting Bluebeard can contribute to the support of wildlife, such as bees and butterflies, providing a valuable nectar source for pollinators in gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bluebeard is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bluebeard is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calming Influence - Caryopteris, commonly known as Bluebeard, produces a calming blue hue that can represent tranquility and peacefulness in a garden setting.
- Attracting Positive Energy - Bluebeard attracts butterflies and bees, symbolizing the draw of positive energy and the encouragement of biodiversity.
- Perseverance - As a late bloomer, Bluebeard symbolizes perseverance by showcasing its vibrant colors when many other plants are fading.
- Renewal - Every year, Bluebeard dies back to the ground and regrows, representing renewal and the cycle of life.
WaterThe Bluebeard 'Summer Sorbet' should be watered deeply and thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch. It's essential not to overwater, as the plant prefers well-drained soil. Typically, watering once a week is sufficient, but in extreme heat, you might need to water twice a week. Use a watering can or a soft stream from a garden hose to avoid eroding the soil around the base. Each watering should be equivalent to approximately 1 inch of rain, which equals about 0.6 gallons per square foot every week during the growing season.
LightBluebeard 'Summer Sorbet' thrives in full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Plant it in a spot that gets unfiltered sunlight to encourage the best growth and flowering. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as this could impede its blooming and overall health.
TemperatureBluebeard 'Summer Sorbet' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -20°F, while ideally, it prefers to be grown in areas where the summer temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. It's important to avoid locations where temperatures drop below its winter hardiness zone for prolonged periods to prevent damage or loss of the plant.
PruningPrune the Bluebeard 'Summer Sorbet' in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning rejuvenates the plant, encourages new growth, and helps maintain a compact shape. Remove any dead or damaged stems, and cut the plant back to about 6 to 8 inches above ground level. It's best to prune annually since the plant blooms on new wood.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBluebeard 'Summer Sorbet' prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, with a soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingBluebeard 'Summer Sorbet' does not frequently require repotting as it is typically grown as a woody perennial shrub in the garden rather than a potted plant. However, if grown in a container, repotting every 2-3 years may be necessary.
Humidity & MistingBluebeard 'Summer Sorbet' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in average to low humidity typical of outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and periodic pruning.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, in well-drained soil; prune in late winter.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Blue Mist Spirea 'Summer Sorbet' begins with seed germination when planted in well-draining soil and exposed to adequate warmth and moisture. The seedlings emerge and grow into young plants with characteristic variegated leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage where it focuses on leaf and stem growth, developing a bushy habit. In late summer to early fall, the plant blooms, producing clusters of small blue to violet flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, which can be collected for propagation or allowed to fall and potentially self-sow. The Blue Mist Spirea is a perennial, so after flowering, it enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, with foliage dying back, to regrow the following spring from the root system.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
Propogation: Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Summer Sorbet', also known as Bluebeard 'Summer Sorbet', is commonly propagated by taking softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. To propagate, select a healthy non-flowering shoot and cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) length, removing the lower leaves to leave two or three pairs at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mixture of half peat and half perlite or a similar free-draining propagation medium, ensuring that the leaf nodes where the leaves were removed are buried as these areas are where roots are most likely to develop. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain high humidity, and keep it in a warm spot out of direct sunlight. Roots typically develop in 4 to 8 weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot with standard potting compost.
