Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight' 3ltr

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight' (Bluebeard)

A compact, rounded deciduous shrub prized for its late-season colour, when few other shrubs are still performing. From late summer into early autumn, 'Dark Knight' is smothered in clusters of deep blue-purple flowers, held against grey-green, aromatic foliage that's attractively silvered on the underside. The flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies, and the whole plant releases a pleasant scent when the leaves are brushed. Its neat, mounded habit makes it a reliable, low-maintenance choice for filling gaps in a sunny border just as the summer display elsewhere begins to fade.

Reaching around 1–1.5m in height and spread at maturity, 'Dark Knight' thrives in full sun and light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil — it's tolerant of chalk, loam and sand, but dislikes sitting in wet ground over winter. A warm, sheltered spot against a south- or west-facing wall brings out the best in it. Cut back hard in early spring, down to a low framework of woody stems, to keep growth compact and encourage the strongest flush of flowers; left unpruned, it can become leggy and sparse at the base. Once established, it's drought-tolerant and easy-going, making it a good option for gravel gardens, mixed borders, or anywhere a late splash of blue is welcome.

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