Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Dark Knight'
bluebeard
The flowers of this handsome shrub are really useful for adding late colour to the border, and their rich purple-blue colouring looks wonderful against the foliage, which has a silvery reverse.
Acting as a magnet for bees and butterflies, Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Dark Knight' is a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden, and once established, it will become drought-tolerant. Where temperatures fall below -15°C it's best grown against a warm, south or west-facing wall.
Acting as a magnet for bees and butterflies, Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Dark Knight' is a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden, and once established, it will become drought-tolerant. Where temperatures fall below -15°C it's best grown against a warm, south or west-facing wall.
How to care for Caryopteris × clandonensis Dark Knight:
Plant Caryopteris in a sunny, well-drained spot—it's not tolerant of wet or heavy soils, especially in winter. Improve drainage before planting if needed by adding grit or organic matter. These small, deciduous shrubs prefer a sheltered site and do best against a warm wall or in a border that gets plenty of sun.
Once established, they’re drought-tolerant and low maintenance. In early spring, cut back all flowered stems hard to a low, woody framework to encourage strong new growth. After pruning, apply a 2-3in (5-7cm) mulch of well-rotted compost to help retain moisture and boost soil nutrients.
Once established, they’re drought-tolerant and low maintenance. In early spring, cut back all flowered stems hard to a low, woody framework to encourage strong new growth. After pruning, apply a 2-3in (5-7cm) mulch of well-rotted compost to help retain moisture and boost soil nutrients.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.2m
Eventual spread:
1m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
