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Sunshine Blue® II Bluebeard Caryopteris incana

Exposure
  • Sun
Flower Season
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
Mature Size
3' 3' 91cm 91cm
Height: 2' - 3'
Spread: 2' - 3'
Height: 61cm - 91cm
Spread: 61cm - 91cm
  • Details

    24 - 36 Inches
    24 - 36 Inches
    24 - 36 Inches
    61cm - 91cm
    61cm - 91cm
    61cm - 91cm

    Features

    The hardiest caryopteris yet!

    Sunshine Blue II is a new, improved variety of the classic Sunshine Blue, but it's much more tolerant of cold climates. If you've had trouble with bluebeard surviving winter in your area in the past, now's your chance to enjoy the vivid gold foliage and blue blooms of this late blooming favorite. An excellent plant for attracting pollinators!

    Top reasons to grow Sunshine Blue II caryopteris:

    - The hardiest caryopteris yet - survives winter even in the Midwest.

    - Colorful all season, especially late in summer when blue flowers appear.

    - Thrives in hot, dry, sunny spots.

    Foliage Interest
    Fall Interest
    Heat Tolerant
    Deadheading Not Necessary
    Drought Tolerant
    Attracts: 
    Bees

    Characteristics

    Plant Type: 
    Shrub
    Shrub Type: 
    Deciduous
    Height Category: 
    Short
    Garden Height: 
    24 - 36 Inches 61cm - 91cm
    Spacing: 
    24 - 36 Inches 61cm - 91cm
    Spread: 
    24 - 36 Inches 61cm - 91cm
    Flower Colors: 
    Blue
    Foliage Colors: 
    Yellow
    Foliage Shade: 
    Yellow
    Habit: 
    Mounded
    Container Role: 
    Filler

    Plant Needs

    Light Requirement: 
    Sun

    The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).

    Maintenance Category: 
    Easy
    Blooms On: 
    New Wood
    Bloom Time: 
    Late Summer
    Bloom Time: 
    Early Fall
    Hardiness Zones: 
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
    Water Category: 
    Low
    Needs Good Drainage
    Uses: 
    Border Plant
    Uses: 
    Container
    Uses: 
    Edging Plant
    Uses: 
    Groundcover
    Uses: 
    Landscape
    Uses: 
    Mass Planting
    Maintenance Notes: 

    Plant bluebeard in full sun and well-drained soil. Though Sunshine Blue II tolerates colder conditions than other caryopteris, it will do best if you avoid planting it in spots where the soil is cold or wet in winter and early spring. Cut back hard in spring, after the new growth emerges. Avoid late season planting in coldest parts of its hardiness range.

    Fun Facts: 

    Caryopteris is sometimes called "blue mist spirea," even though it is not remotely related to spirea. To be sure you get the right plant, ask your garden center for Caryopteris or bluebeard.

    Sunshine Blue® II Caryopteris incana 'SMNCVH' USPP 28,093, Can PBRAF
  • 3 Reviews

    5
    1
    4
    2
    3
    2
    1
    Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.
    • Just planted seventeen in September 2017 (plan to put three more in the ground soon), for a total of twenty inside a circle driveway. The 17 survived a rough, dry winter with a couple of late season freezes. I thought for sure I had one dead one as I had lost three of the original delivery, but it has come back already like a champ. I have yet to see the blooms but I'm looking forward to seeing all of them in vibrant color this year. I expect them to look great!

      Linda La Porte
      , Arizona
      , United States
      , 5 years ago
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