Pondering over a bare spot at the front of the mixed border in the back garden, decision was made to plant Caryopteris.
I am surprised that in the past we have always turned this one down as an option. Hardy to minus 15 degrees Celsius and grows well in a sunny position.
Plant in moderately fertile well drained soil, if your soil is on the heavy side, add a fair quantity of grit to give improved drainage.
Here in Aberdeen planting against a south facing wall would be beneficial, giving added protection from frost in Winter and also giving maximum sun in the summer.
Caryopteris is a deciduous shrub which requires hard pruning in Spring. One which is known to perform well is Caryopteris Clandonensis Kew Blue, beautiful dark blue flowers in late Summer with grey/green aromatic leaves. This lovely shrub grows to a height of only three feet, making it ideal for that sunny position near the front of the border.
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