Plant profile - caryopteris

These are super autumn flowering shrubs, suitable for a smaller garden, as most will not spread more than 2m in height. Around 6 species found in Asia, often in dry, open, full sun locations. They appreciate a sheltered spot in the garden and will tolerate frosty conditions better if the shrubby growth is left over winter. This can be pruned down to a framework in late winter, early spring. Foliage is scented, neat, green, with some yellow forms available. Flowers are in attractive, showy clusters, in various shades of blue. New cultivated forms now include flowers of pink and white.

‘The caryopteris are only just opening so will continue in flower well into September. I think I prefer the normal grey-leafed types (some have darker blue flowers) but ‘Worcester Gold’ is very attractive, with lime-green leaves, making a good foil for the lighter blue flowers – or so I thought till I compared the two. It is hard to tell the difference – but, as one finds often when handling colour, neighbouring tints can give different values to the same colour.' Beth Chatto

Wildlife credentials

Renowned as one of the most important plants for wildlife from late summer, caryopteris are usually buzzing with bees and butterflies. The fact that they are drought-tolerant and have scented foliage simply adds to their desirability.

Just some of our range:

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Arthur Simmonds' - dense mound-forming shrub with aromatic grey-green leaves silvery beneath. Soft blue flowers produced in terminal spire during late summer into autumn. Height and spread 1m x 1m.

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Arthur Simmonds'

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight' - dense mound-forming shrub with aromatic green leaves silvery beneath. Dark blue flowers produced in clusters. It enjoys a sunny position, with shelter from cold winds. Prune back in the spring, to your desired height, after the danger of frost has passed. Height and spread 90cm x 1.2m.

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight'

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue' - more upright in habit than Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Arthur Simmonds', deeper blue flowers with grey foliage. Prune back to the height required in early spring. Height and spread 1.2m x 1.2m.

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue'

Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Longwood Blue' - from Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania. Violet-blue flowers atop silver foliage for a striking combination. Flowers from mid to late summer, with a slight arching habit. Height and spread 1m x 1m.

Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Longwood Blue'

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Worcester Gold' - pale yellow-green leaves make a striking contrast with pale blue flowers in late summer-autumn. Leaves fading to a greeny-yellow later in the season. Prune back to the height required in early spring. Height and spread 1m x 1m.