Caryopteris x clandonensis
hybrid bluebeard
Lamiaceae

Characteristics: A wonderful dwarf shrub with grey-blue leaves and light purple flowers. Whorls of flowers grow in ranks up the stem. Flowers bloom for almost the entire summer. “Blue beard” refers to the hairy bottom lip of the flower. It’s a hybrid but will form seeds. Sub-shrub with a woody base, the green parts are more or less herbaceous. It grows up to 75cm tall. Smells nice.

Growing conditions: Grows like others in mint family- sun and good drainage. Yellow flowers pair well with it. Even barbarian landscapers can’t ruin it.

Limitations: Relatively short-lived (no more than 20 years).