Growing Bluebeard: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Harvest

Bluebeard (Caryopteris) is a beautiful shrub that blooms in stunning purplish-blue flowers during mid to late summer in Zones 4 through 9. It is easy to care for and provides a spectacular display throughout much of the fall, making it an excellent addition to any garden. Also known as blue mist spirea, this deciduous shrub has long, graceful stems covered in small leaves that are loaded with blossoms at peak bloom. Butterflies, bumblebees, and other helpful pollinators are drawn to its fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage.
The most popular cultivar of Bluebeard is Caryopteris × clandonensis (also known as ‘blue mist’ bluebeard), which bears soft, silver-green foliage. However, there are many other colorful foliage varieties to consider, such as those with golden foliage that create a stunning backdrop for the bright blue flowers. When not in bloom, the foliage adds a visual lightness to the garden.
Bluebeard thrives in sunny locations that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It is an excellent choice for xeriscaping or planting in slope gardens where other plants may falter. Bluebeard is also drought-tolerant and can withstand freezing temperatures. However, it does best in loose, loamy, well-drained soils and will not tolerate wet soil. Young bluebeard plants need regular water to establish a robust root system, but once established, they are drought tolerant.
Propagation of Bluebeard is relatively easy through stem cuttings or collecting seed pods. Many new varieties of bluebeard are dwarf in size, making them suitable for smaller spaces and containers. Other new varieties boast colored foliage that won’t burn in the sun, and bigger and bluer blooms.

Meet the fresh addition to the plant family, Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Beyond Midnight’, expertly captured by Rob Cardillo. This beauty boasts of luscious dark green leaves with a glossy finish. It is a compact plant with stunning deep blue flowers and can survive in climates ranging from Zones 5-9. Additionally, ‘Blue Mist’ Bluebeard is another fantastic option.

If you’re looking for a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant, consider the Caryopteris ‘Blue Mist’ cultivar. With its light blue flowers and relaxed growth habit, it’s perfect for a charming cottage garden. This variety can grow up to 3 feet tall and is able to withstand colder temperatures in Zones 5-8. Another great option is the ‘Longwood Blue’ Bluebeard, which is equally stunning and low-maintenance. Don’t miss out on these gorgeous plants!

Meet Doug Hetherington, the expert on Caryopteris. Among his recommended varieties, ‘Longwood Blue’ stands out as a remarkable introduction. Its eye-catching sky-blue flowers bloom from midsummer through fall, making it a delightful addition to any garden. This cultivar can grow up to 4 feet tall and wide and is suitable for Zones 5-8. Another recommended option is the Petit Bleu Bluebeard.

Meet Dean Schoeppner, a horticulturist who recommends the Caryopteris ‘MinBleu’ plant. This particular plant is a French variety that boasts stunning sky-blue flowers and stands at a height of 3 feet when fully grown. It is perfect for gardens located in Zones 5-8 as it is hardy enough to thrive in those areas. Another plant that Dean suggests is the Sunshine Blue Bluebeard.

If you’re looking for a great companion plant for Bluebeard, Caryopteris incana ‘Jason’ is an excellent choice. Not only does it have beautiful blue flowers, but its large gold leaves also perfectly complement the blue blooms. This plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and wide, and it’s perfect for Zones 5-9. Another great option is Coreopsis, which pairs well with Bluebeard and adds a pop of color to any garden.

If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your garden, consider planting some coreopsis. These beautiful flowers come in sunny shades of yellow, red, orange, and pink and look great alongside the striking blue blooms of the bluebeard shrub. While coreopsis is shorter than bluebeard, it still needs plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive. Best of all, it’s tough enough to survive in Zones 3 to 9. Another excellent option for a vibrant garden is lantana.

Lantana is a fantastic plant choice for those who want to add color and attract pollinators to their garden, especially in the hot and dry spots. With its vibrant blooms of orange, pink, purple, red, yellow, or white during summer and fall, it can be compared to bluebeard and loves full sun and well-draining soil. However, it’s crucial to note that while lantana is hardy in zones 9-11, it might be invasive in some states. Therefore, before planting it in your garden, it’s wise to check with your local extension service.

Peter Krumhardt suggests that zinnias are similar to bluebeard as they thrive well under full sun and are resistant to drought once they have settled. These flowers are well-loved by pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies and can be found in various colors, shapes, and sizes except for blue. Zinnias are robust annual plants that can withstand different climates, from Zone 2 to 11. To incorporate bluebeards into your garden, Peter Krumhardt recommends creating a Property Line Garden Plan.

In this garden plan, the ‘Dark Knight’ bluebeard plant is used as an edge to create a beautiful contrast with the bright yellow witch hazel. It’s perfect for dividing your yard from your neighbor’s or softening a fence or wall. If your bluebeard plant appears to have died during winter, don’t fret – the roots are hardy and new growth will appear from the base. To encourage healthy growth, prune the shrub each spring. Although not considered invasive in any state, bluebeard can self-seed if left unchecked. Remove blooms before they go to seed or pull up any volunteer plants to prevent unwanted growth. Download this plan now and get started on creating a stunning garden border!