bluebeard
Caryopteris clandonensis 'Longwood Blue'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9
Flowers:
Sky-blue Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Care Level:
Moderate
watering
Bluebeard should be watered once a week and requires approximately 1 inch of water at each watering. If the area is in a period of extreme drought, the frequency of watering can be increased, however Bluebeard is not tolerant to wet soils, so it is important not to overwater. If the area experiences extreme wet periods, either reduce the watering schedule or allow extra-good drainage so the soil does not become soggy.
sunlight
Bluebeard (Caryopteris clandonensis 'Longwood Blue') should be grown in a location with full sun exposure for most of the day to ensure the best possible growth and flowering. The plant should be transplanted into an area of the garden that will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. To keep the plant looking its best, it should receive full sun during the peak hours of the day, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. In addition, Bluebeard benefits from afternoon shade or partial shade during the hottest part of the day, between 11AM - 2PM.
pruning
Bluebeard (Caryopteris clandonensis 'Longwood Blue') should be pruned in the early spring before the new growth appears. Pruning should consist of cutting back all the stems to about 12 to 15 inches, removing any thin, weak or damaged stems as well. This will promote dense, bushy growth and encourage the formation of blue-violet flowers in autumn. Deadheading (removal of spent blooms) is also recommended to encourage further flowering.
