How to Grow a Bluebeard Shrub

In late summer, most gardens begin to wane. But, that is exactly when the bluebeard shrub (Caryopteris x clandonensis) explodes with lightly fragrant, dainty blue flowers against silvery-green leaves. It is easy to see why this July to September bloomer is sometimes called the "blue-mist shrub." Easy to care for and easy to love, the bluebeard shrub is perfect for the weekend gardener.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bluebeard shrub
• Shovel
• Water
• Mulch or other organic material

1. Identify a planting location. For maximum blooming, plant the bluebeard shrub in a location that receives full sun. Light shade is acceptable. Highly organic, well-drained soil is preferred, but the shrub will adapt to many soil types.

2. Prepare the planting hole. Dig the planting hole to the same depth as the rootball and approximately 2 to 3 times as wide.

3. Position the shrub. Place the bluebeard shrub in the planting hole. Add a small portion of the original soil to the planting hole to secure the plant. Fill the planting hole with water and allow to be absorbed. Backfill the remaining soil and water again thoroughly.

4. Mulch the planting site. Spread a layer of mulch 2 to 4 inches deep around the shrub and planting area. The mulch should be maintained to prevent the loss of moisture, keep the roots cool and to prevent weeds.

5. Maintain your shrub. Maintenance requirements of the bluebeard shrub are minimal. A 1/2 cup of fertilizer may be applied in spring. Too much fertilizer can hinder growth. Cut back the shrub after blooming and hard prune the bluebeard to the ground in late winter.

Tips & Warnings

• The bluebeard shrub is a deciduous perennial shrub that is suitable for planting in hardiness zones 6 through 9. Ideal planting time is early spring, but the shrub can also be planted any time during the growing season.
• Most bluebeard shrubs are purchased containerized. To remove the plant for planting, gently tap the pot on the ground to loosen the roots. Carefully ease the shrub from the container and inspect the roots. If they appear to be growing in a circular pattern, carefully loosen them so they can spread out in the planting hole. Balled-and-burlapped specimens should have all wire and twine removed and half the burlap covering the rootball.
• Varieties of the bluebeard shrub are the 'Dark Knight' with deep purple flowers and the more common 'Blue Mist' with light blue blooms and slightly fringed edges.
• The uniform mound-shaped growth of the bluebeard shrub makes it an excellent choice for a specimen plant, mixed with other late blooming perennials or as a low hedge. At maturity, the shrub is 2 to 3 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide.