Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Sapphire Surf' - Sapphire Surf Bluebeard

Light, airy shrub with striking amethyst blue flowers held over dark green leaves; a true butterfly magnet for the garden or containers

Height: 24 inches. Spread: 3 feet. Sun: full sun. Hardiness zone: 4b.

Ornamental features

Sapphire Surf™ Caryopteris is clothed in stunning cymes of blue flowers along the branches from late summer to early fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The oval leaves do not develop any appreciable fall color.

Landscape

Sapphire Surf™ Caryopteris is an open multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Mass Planting, Border Edging, General Garden Use, Groundcover, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Sapphire Surf™ Caryopteris will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.