Caryopteris is a good‑natured shrub that fits easily into real gardens. It doesn’t demand huge space, copes well with the bright, dry conditions often found in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, and only asks for sun, drainage and a simple prune at the right time. The foliage is attractive even before the flowers arrive, and the whole plant feels light and airy rather than dense or overbearing. For newer gardeners wanting something reliable, wildlife‑friendly and not too big, it’s a very reassuring choice.
Common name: Bluebeard
Latin name: Caryopteris
Size in UK gardens: Usually around 60–120cm tall × 60–100cm wide, forming a low, bushy mound that sits happily towards the front or middle of a border.
Best position: A warm, sunny spot in a mixed border or gravel garden.
Soil: Prefers light, free‑draining soil that doesn’t sit wet in winter. Will grow in most average garden soils if drainage is reasonable.
Flowering time: Late summer into early autumn (typically August–October) with clusters of rich blue to violet flowers on the tips of new growth.
Fragrance: Leaves are often aromatic when brushed, and flowers can have a light, honeyed sweetness that’s most noticeable on warm, still days.
Hardiness: Generally hardy in typical East Anglian gardens; may lose some top growth in very hard winters but usually shoots from lower down in spring.
Care level: Easy and undemanding – enjoys sun and good drainage, and only needs a simple yearly prune to keep it neat and flowering well.
Rather than travelling halfway across Europe, our mimosa trees are grown on site by the Simpson’s team. They’re toughened to local conditions, properly potted, and ready to get growing the moment you plant them.
Planting time: As your Caryopteris is container‑grown, it can be planted at almost any time of year when the soil is workable and not frozen or waterlogged. Spring and early autumn are especially comfortable times, as the soil tends to be moist and mild, helping new roots settle in quickly.
Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season, particularly in dry spells, so the rootball does not dry out completely. Once established in the ground, Caryopteris usually only needs extra water in prolonged dry weather.
Feeding: A light mulch of garden compost in spring is usually enough to keep the plant happy. On very poor soils, you can use a balanced, slow‑release fertiliser once a year, but heavy feeding is not necessary.
Pruning: Caryopteris flowers on new wood, so an annual prune in late spring is ideal. Cutting back last year’s stems to a low framework encourages strong, fresh growth and a good display of flowers later in the year.
Winter: In most East Anglian gardens, Caryopteris needs no special winter protection once established. Any frost‑browned tips can simply be removed at pruning time in spring when you can see which shoots are strongest.
Availability is always changing, so please check with us if you have a particular variety in mind.
