Growing guide

How to grow caryopteris

Caryopteris are compact, easy-to-grow shrubs that bloom enthusiastically in late summer and early autumn, producing fluffy clusters of blue flowers – quite a rare colour at that time of year. They give a welcome late boost to borders, gravel gardens and containers – just make sure they’re in full sun and free-draining soil.

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Quick facts

  • Easy to grow, compact shrubs, up to 1m (3⅓ft)
  • Rich blue flowers from late summer to early autumn
  • Aromatic leaves, usually grey-green
  • Easy to grow in sun and well-drained soil
  • Drought tolerant and dislike damp conditions
  • Deciduous, so they lose their leaves in winter 
  • Cut back hard in spring to encourage flowering
  • Flowers are attractive to pollinating insects

All you need to know

Before you get started
Planting
Ongoing care
Pruning and training
Propagating
Problems
While we think all this information will be helpful to you, we always recommend to read the instruction labels on your plants.

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