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About this plant
What makes this plant special
Sunny Blue® keeps its golden-yellow leaves from spring to the end of summer, even in full sun, as a bright backdrop for the deep blue flowers of late summer and early autumn. Compared with the older Sunshine Blue®, it tolerates far colder winters, and it forms a rounded mound of about 60 to 90 cm.
Bluebeard Caryopteris
Bluebeards (Caryopteris) are small deciduous shrubs from the mountains of East Asia, from the Himalayas to Mongolia and China. They form a rounded, bushy plant with aromatic grey-green leaves and cover themselves in late summer with clusters of small blue flowers with protruding stamens, at a time when few other shrubs are still in bloom.
Caryopteris incana
Native to China and Japan, this species is one of the parents of the common garden hybrid. Its coarsely toothed leaves are dull green above and covered with grey down underneath, and from late summer into autumn dense clusters of violet-blue flowers grow from the upper leaf axils. Leaves, stems and flowers are aromatic.
Location and soil
Full sun in a light, rich and well-drained soil, also chalky. It is somewhat less hardy than Caryopteris clandonensis: in Belgium give it a warm, sheltered spot, as the shoots can freeze back in a cold winter while the roots usually survive. Wet soil in winter causes root rot.
Pruning and care
Cut back hard every year in March or April, removing half to two thirds of the stems, so the plant stays dense and flowers well. Mulch the base in winter and feed lightly in spring.
Use in the garden
Suited to sunny borders, butterfly gardens, low hedges and mass planting, and its compact habit also makes it a good container plant for a balcony or terrace. The late flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.
Plant characteristics
Botanical
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Caryopteris |
| Species | incana |
| Cultivar | 'SMNCVH' |
| Trade name | Sunny Blue |
| Brand | Proven Winners® |
Flowering
| Flowering period | august to september |
| Colour (flower) | blue |
Foliage
| Evergreen | no |
| Colour (foliage) | yellow |
Growth habit
| Height | 50 cm, 100 cm |
Location
| Winter hardiness | -25 °C |
Care
| Pruning | march to april |
