Blue Mist Spirea, Bluebeard

Caryopteris incana

Verbenaceae (Vervain Family)

▲ mature, flowering shrub

▲▼ flowers

Location near campus:  in Xeriscape Garden (location at corner of Linwood and National, about 1 mile south of campus).

Caryopteris incana:  Blue Mist Spirea, Bluebeard

      Has opposite, oval to diamond-shaped leaves with teeth on upper 2/3 of leaf

      Leaves are 1-3 inches long and ½ to 2/3 as wide, gray-green above, silvery underneath and hairy on both sides

      Clusters of blue-purple flowers in axils of leaves are quite showy; flowers on current season’s growth

      Grows 18-36 inches tall and wide

      Can be cut back to ground in dormant season, as it flowers on current season’s growth

      Prefers full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soils, but tolerates dry soils well