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Caryopterus

Caryopterus is a mound-forming Asian shrub related to the garden Verbena. It has attractive, aromatic foliage, tolerates our summer heat and is somewhat drought resistant after it becomes acclimated. Lovely blue flowers are born on current year's growth in August- September. These grow up to three feet and do well as a low hedge, or in a mixed or shrub border. Smaller cultivars make excellent container plants. Rabbits and deer avoid them, but butterflies love the nectar flowers.

CULTIVATION:

Location: Full sun or light shade.
Soil: Moderately fertile, well drained, light.
Water: Let the soil dry out between watering, and provide deep water periodically, but do not overwater. Reduce water in late fall to encourage winter dormancy.
Pruning: Cut back severely in early winter to encourage new

PROPAGATION:

Caryopterus may be started from seed in fall. Plant in a flat or protected seedbed. Lift and plant into containers when roots and sprouts form. Protect until the plants become well settled. Plant purchased or homegrown four inch or six-pac plants. They can also be started from softwood cuttings in late summer.

TRY THESE SPECIES:

Caryopterus X Canadensis
- 'Blue Mist' has powder blue flowers
- 'Dark Knight' has dark blue flowers and silvery grey leaves.
- 'Longwood Blue' has violet blue flowers and silvery grey leaves.
Caryopterus Incana 'Sunshine Blue' has gold foliage with medium blue flowers.

SOURCES:

Armstrong Nursery; High Country Gardens and other mail order sources.