Caryopteris × clandonensis 'First Choice'

RHS Plant Profile

bluebeard 'First Choice'

Shrubs

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A compact deciduous shrub with bluntly toothed, grey-green leaves paler beneath, and clusters of vivid blue flowers opening from deep indigo-blue buds in late summer.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 1-1.5 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Caryopteris can be deciduous shrubs or perennials, with aromatic, simple leaves and small blue or white flowers in compact axillary clusters in late summer and autumn
Name Status: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sheltered, sunny position with a light well-drained soil

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Gravel garden
City and courtyard gardens
Coastal
Wildlife gardens
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 6

Pests

May be susceptible to capsid bugs and mealybugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus