Blue Mist Shrub Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Worcester Gold'
ABOUT
The 'Worcester Gold' is a colorful and vibrant variety renowned for its striking golden foliage. As a plant cultivar, it boasts a radiant display of brilliant yellow leaves that emanate a luminous quality, especially when kissed by the sun. The foliage tends to be lance-shaped and slightly serrated along the edges, contributing texture to its already alluring appearance. Complementing the vivid leaves, the 'Worcester Gold' produces clusters of small, delicate-looking flowers. The blooms typically come in a soft blue to purplish hue, which elegantly contrasts with the golden canvas provided by the leaves. This eye-catching combination of gold and blue hues creates a stunning visual impact in any garden setting, with the blooms adding a subtle splash of cool color that draws in the gaze amidst the warm golden foliage. Overall, the 'Worcester Gold' is cherished for its ornamental appeal, with its contrasting colors and fine textured leaves making it a standout plant in ornamental gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Bluebeard, Blue Mist, Blue Spirea.
Common names
Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Worcester Gold'
ToxicityTo humans
Bluebeard is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases or reports of poisoning from ingesting or coming into contact with parts of this plant. Nonetheless, it is generally advised to avoid ingestion of ornamental plants as a precaution.
To pets
Bluebeard is not reported to be toxic to pets either. While it's always best practice to prevent pets from eating plants not intended for consumption, there is no specific evidence that this plant would cause harm if ingested by pets. As with humans, it is generally recommended to monitor pets and prevent them from eating ornamental plants to ensure their safety.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Gold
Flower color
Blue
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Worcester Gold', commonly known as Bluebeard, is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, promoting biodiversity in gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Bluebeard has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeric or low-water landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal upkeep beyond occasional pruning, making it an easy-care option for many gardeners.
- Colorful Foliage: 'Worcester Gold' offers vibrant yellow to golden foliage that adds a splash of color to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Late Summer Blooms: It flowers in late summer to fall, providing a source of color when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Deer Resistance: Bluebeard is generally resistant to deer, which makes it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Compact Size: With its small size, Bluebeard fits well in urban gardens, borders, or as part of foundation plantings.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it will return each year, limiting the need to replant annually.
- Fragrant Blooms: The plant's flowers are pleasantly scented, adding another layer of enjoyment 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- Crafting natural dyes: The leaves of the Bluebeard may be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and yarns, offering varying shades of yellow and green depending on the mordant used.
- Education and research: Bluebeard can serve as a specimen in educational settings for teaching about plant propagation and gardening techniques, particularly in relation to woody perennials.
- Floral arrangements: Fresh or dried Bluebeard flowers can add a touch of blue to floral arrangements, wreaths, and bouquets.
- Photography subject: Bluebeard, with its bright gold foliage and blue flowers, can be a stunning subject for garden photography, enhancing portfolio diversity for photographers.
- Companion planting: Bluebeard may be used in companion planting as its late blooming can provide a food source for pollinators when other plants have finished flowering.
- Wildlife habitat enhancement: Planting Bluebeard can enhance biodiversity by providing shelter and nesting materials for small birds and insects.
- Artistic inspiration: The contrasting colors of the leaves and flowers can inspire artists and designers in creating color palettes and patterns.
- Garden design: Bluebeard can be used as a 'filler' plant in a garden to create fullness and a contrast of colors against other ornamental plants.
- Culinary decoration: While not widely known for culinary uses, the flowers of Bluebeard can be used as decorative edible garnishes for desserts and special dishes.
- Event decoration: Because of their attractive appearance, Bluebeard plants can be included in the décor for garden parties and outdoor events.
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, commonly known as Bluebeard, often symbolizes peace and tranquility due to its calming blue flowers and the serene atmosphere it can create in gardens.
- Attraction: Bluebeard's bright flowers are known to attract bees and butterflies, making it a symbol for attraction and allure.
- New Opportunities: The plant’s ability to attract pollinators and support ecosystem diversity can represent new beginnings and opportunities.
- Inspiration: With its unique gold-tinted foliage and vibrant blooms, Bluebeard may symbolize inspiration and creativity.
WaterBluebeard (Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Worcester Gold') prefers to be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this may be roughly once a week, but this schedule can vary depending on climate conditions such as humidity, temperature, and the amount of sunlight the plant is receiving. A thorough watering is recommended, providing enough water until it begins to run out of the bottom of the pot, which could be approximately 1-2 gallons for an outdoor plant, depending on its size. During the winter months, water less frequently, as the plant enters a dormant period and its water requirements decrease. Always ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
LightBluebeard thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting it in a location that gets unobstructed sunlight for the majority of the day will help this plant flourish and produce abundant blooms. If planted indoors, placing it near a south-facing window would be ideal to ensure it benefits from ample sunlight.
TemperatureBluebeard does well in a range of temperatures and can survive at temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods. However, its ideal growing temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can handle heat, it's important to ensure the plant is not exposed to extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods, which could stress the plant.
PruningPrune Bluebeard in early spring before new growth starts, as this plant blooms on new wood. Pruning encourages a bushier habit and more prolific flowering. Typically, pruning can involve cutting the plant back to about a third of its size. Pruning can be done annually to maintain shape and health of the plant, also helping to rejuvenate older plants by encouraging fresh growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBluebeard 'Worcester Gold' thrives in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix containing equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Avoid heavy clay soils and overly wet conditions to prevent root rot.
RepottingBluebeard 'Worcester Gold' is typically grown as a garden shrub and does not require regular repotting. In garden settings, instead of repotting, prune back in spring to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingBluebeard 'Worcester Gold' is drought-tolerant and prefers a dry to average humidity environment. Excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases, so it is best planted in an area with good air circulation and not too much humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For indoor cultivation, place Bluebeard in bright light.
Outdoor
Plant Bluebeard in sun, well-draining soil, prune in spring.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCaryopteris × clandonensis 'Worcester Gold', commonly known as Blue Mist Shrub, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring after a period of cold stratification that breaks their dormancy. The young seedlings grow rapidly and establish a root system, developing into young plants with characteristic golden-yellow foliage. Throughout the spring and summer, the Blue Mist Shrub enters a vegetative growth phase, where it focuses on producing leaves and stems to maximise photosynthesis. In late summer to early fall, the plant transitions to the reproductive stage, flowering with clusters of aromatic blue to violet blooms attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds that are subsequently dispersed by wind or wildlife. The plant then goes into a period of dormancy during the winter months, with the above-ground portions dying back after frost, while the roots remain alive to repeat the cycle again come spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring - Early Summer
Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Worcester Gold', commonly known as Worcester Gold Bluebeard, can be propagated through semi-ripe cuttings during late summer. To do this, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4 to 6 inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) piece, making sure it includes at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root development. The cutting should then be placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least one node is buried where roots will form. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain humidity, and kept in a warm spot with indirect light until roots establish, after which the cutting can be potted on.
