Caryopteris
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Blue Mist'
Hardy in zones 5-9
Unusual flower colour and season of bloom, which extends from late summer to frost. Requires the good drainage of sandy soils. Prefers full sun, but partial shade is often fine. Mulch root area heavily after soil freezes. Flowers on new shoots. Prune in late winter, early spring. Unless it is pruned each spring, the bush becomes twiggy and bears small flowers. So very early in the spring, cut last seasons growth back to 1 inch. Remove all dead, weak, or crowded shoots. If top growth is killed by frost, or to rejuvenate, cut back all old growth to the soil line to encourage new branches. Grows .9-1.2 meters (3-4 feet) in height and width.
