How big does Bluebeard grow?

About 90 cm × 1 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1.2 m × 0.6–1.5 m.

What soil does Bluebeard grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

How far from the house should Bluebeard be planted?

Plant it at least 1 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Bluebeard flower?

Flowering: July–September, blue.

How much water does Bluebeard need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Bluebeard cost?

It sells for roughly €4.90 to €36 in local shops, depending on size.

Bluebeard

Caryopteris × clandonensis

Bluebeard (Caryopteris × clandonensis) is a shrub that reaches 90 cm × 1 m after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €4.90.

Illustration of Bluebeard — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low, mounded deciduous shrub with aromatic grey-green leaves that covers itself in a haze of blue flowers in late summer and early autumn, when few other shrubs are in bloom, and draws in bees and butterflies. Plant it in full sun in loose, free-draining soil; it handles drought well but not standing water. It flowers on the current year's shoots, so cut it back hard every spring, which also means winter dieback of the stems does no lasting harm.

Watch out for

Winter is its weak point in Central Europe, and wet more than cold: the roots survive to about -23 °C, in free-draining soil even to -27 °C, but in harder winters the stems often die back to the ground and the plant resprouts from the base in spring. On heavy soil that stays wet in winter the crown rots and the shrub dies within a few years, so in clay plant it slightly raised and mulch young plants for their first winters. It leafs out late in spring, so do not give up on it too early; pests are few, with occasional capsid bug damage.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 90 cm × 1 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–September, blue

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	90 cm × 1 m
Ultimate size	0.6–1.2 m × 0.6–1.5 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–September, blue
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	70 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
25-35 cm	approx. €10
30-40 cm	approx. €10
size not stated	approx. €4.90 – €36

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant shrubs Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Shrubs for pollinators Low-maintenance shrubs Plants for a Mediterranean garden Flowering shrubs Low shrubs Fragrant plants Fragrant shrubs

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