Caryopteris
Discover the Caryopteris collection from Proven Winners®! These late flowering plants combine fresh foliage colours with abundant flowers in shades of blue, pink or purple. Easy to care for, attractive to bees and butterflies, and ideal for borders or pots.
Caryopteris (bluebeard) – compact shrub with colourful late summer blooms
Caryopteris, also known as bluebeard or beard flower, is a compact shrub that blooms in late summer. While many plants have already passed their peak, Caryopteris opens clusters of intensely coloured flowers that continue to shine for weeks. Bees, butterflies and bumblebees are drawn to this plant, making it not only beautiful but also ecologically valuable. Proven Winners® also has a pink variety in its range.
What makes Caryopteris special?
Caryopteris originates from Asia and is a deciduous shrub with a compact, bushy shape. It usually grows to a height of 60 to 90 cm and is about the same width. The plant produces flowers that appear from August until well into autumn.
What makes Caryopteris unique is its late flowering period: when many shrubs have already finished flowering, it provides a second wave of colour. It is also strong, easy to maintain and tolerates drought better than most flowering shrubs.
Caryopteris at Proven Winners®
The Proven Winners® range includes three selections that beautifully showcase the versatility of Caryopteris:
• Beyond Midnight® – compact in size, with deep blue flowers that contrast beautifully with dark foliage. • Beyond Pink'd® – a unique variety with surprising pink flowers, a colour that is not often seen in Caryopteris. • Sunny Blue® – Compact with blue flowers and unique yellow-coloured foliage that creates a unique colour variation.
Together, these varieties show that Caryopteris is not only reliable, but can also be surprisingly innovative.
Location and planting
Caryopteris thrives in a sunny, warm spot. The more sun it gets, the more profusely it flowers and the more insects visit the flowers. The plant likes well-drained, nutritious soil and tolerates drought better than many other ornamental shrubs. For borders, you can count on a planting distance of 60–80 cm. Thanks to its compact size, Caryopteris also fits in smaller gardens.
Low-maintenance ornamental shrub
Caryopteris requires little care. Give young plants some extra water during dry periods and add compost or organic fertiliser in the spring for healthy growth. Prune the shrub in early spring to about 10–25 cm above the ground (depending on the variety).
Caryopteris in your garden!
Caryopteris is a wonderful addition to your garden. Just when most plants have had their heyday, Caryopteris bursts into bloom with flower plumes that immediately attract attention. On its own, Caryopteris is a real eye-catcher, and planted in groups, it transforms the garden into a cloud of flowers. And perhaps best of all, the plants attract bees and butterflies, making your garden not only colourful but also a lively place.
FAQ
Is Caryopteris hardy?
Caryopteris is only partially hardy. Protect it from frost by covering the plant with a protective cloth or old leaves/branches.
How big does a Caryopteris shrub grow?
Most Caryopteris shrubs grow to between 60 and 90 cm in height and width. This makes them compact and suitable for both small gardens and borders.
When does Caryopteris flower?
Caryopteris flowers late in the season, usually from August to October. This makes it particularly valuable, as it provides colour when many other plants have already finished flowering.
Do you need to prune Caryopteris?
Yes, prune the branches back to about 20–25 cm above the ground in early spring. Caryopteris flowers on new wood, so pruning actually ensures a compact shape and rich flowering.
Does Caryopteris attract bees and butterflies?
Definitely. The flowers of Caryopteris are a magnet for bees, butterflies and bumblebees. So you not only add colour, but also life to your garden.