Fauna
Plant

Caryopteris clandonensis

Caryopteris clandonensis

Also known as Blue Mist, Blue-Mist Shrub, Blue Spirea, Clandon Bluebeard

Bluebeard is an aromatic deciduous shrub cherished for its frothy clouds of violet-blue flower clusters that burst into bloom in late summer. Crushed leaves release an earthy, resinous mint scent that reliably deters deer and rabbits while welcoming hordes of native pollinators. Because blooms emerge on current season growth, the plant naturally dies back in cold winters and re-sprouts vigorously each spring.

AromaticDrought-TolerantLate-Blooming
Caryopteris clandonensis reference
(c) carnifex, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by carnifex · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Spider Mites
  • Capsid Bugs
ThreatsWinter root rot in poorly draining soils, severe frost, and overwatering
HabitatsCultivated gardens, urban borders, and rocky landscape beds
Life span10–20 years
Classification
  1. OrderLamiales
  2. FamilyLamiaceae
  3. GenusCaryopteris
  4. SpeciesCaryopteris clandonensis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe and handle at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Pruning: Cut stems back to low woody buds in early spring to encourage vigorous flowering shoots.
  • Siting: Grow in full sun and well-draining, gravelly soil to avoid root rot over winter.
  • Wildlife Watching: Check flowering branches on warm autumn afternoons to spot swarms of pollinating insects.
Related species
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