Add Late Summer Color to Your Garden
Caryopteris, commonly known as 'Blue Spirea,' is a family of small shrubs that add huge ornamental value to the garden. They bloom from late summer to early autumn - a time when most gardens are in need of color. Caryopteris is Greek in origin and means "winged nut" - referring to the small winged fruit that appears after the flowers die off. The common name 'Blue Spirea' comes from its resemblance to true Spirea. Caryopteris is also commonly called 'Blue Mist' shrub and 'Blue Beard.' This week we are featuring two of the densest and most beautiful Caryopteris - 'First Choice,' a long blooming introduction from England, and golden leaved 'Sunshine Blue' also developed in England.

Caryopteris 'First Choice'
'First Choice' is a compact, mounded shrub with vertical spires that are densely covered in beautiful inky-blue buds that open to reveal an even more beautiful violet-blue flower. These blue flowers are very fragrant and are paired with beautiful silvery-gray deciduous foliage. 'First Choice' starts blooming earlier and blooms longer than other Caryopteris. The strong fragrance and bright color attracts butterflies as well as many other beneficial insects.

Caryopteris 'Sunshine Blue'
'Sunshine Blue' is a small, dense shrub similar to 'First Choice,' but with golden foliage. Like 'First Choice,' the blossoms make excellent cut flowers. 'Sunshine Blue' has a strong growing habit and blooms well into the fall with clusters of deep blue, fragrant flowers. The combination of blue flowers with gold foliage gives a contrast unlike anything else in your garden.

Planting and Care
'First Choice' and 'Sunshine Blue' are known for their low maintenance and disease resistance. Planting them in areas with well-drained or even dry soil and full sun will provide you with the most spectacular bloom. Caryopteris is extremely drought tolerant. They will perform well in very light shade, but will not tolerate wet soil especially in winter. Lightly prune after the initial bloom to encourage re-bloom. Both 'First Choice' and 'Sunshine Blue' are small shrubs that grow to 36" tall and wide. They are ideal in a flower bed, as a hedge, as a specimen planting or incorporated into a foundation planting. Masses of three to five plants are particularly attractive.