Caryopteris clandonensis Beyond Midnight - Bluebeard

Caryopteris x clandonensis Beyond Midnight ® is a desirable variety of blue spirea bush for several reasons. It is a shrub that forms a particularly compact, bushy tuft, creating a cushion of vegetation wider than it is tall. From July to September, its upright stems display layers of clusters of deep blue flowers that are absolutely fascinating. This ornamental flowering also promotes biodiversity, as it attracts bees and butterflies. While it tolerates dry conditions like other varieties, it is more hardy, withstanding frost down to -20°C.

Caryopteris x clandonensis is one of the hybrids resulting from the cross-breeding of Caryopteris incana, an Asian shrub known as 'Bluebeard', and Caryopteris mongolica, a hardier species native to colder regions of Mongolia and northern China. They all belong to the Verbenaceae family, like Lantana, Callicarpa, and Verbena.

The Beyond Midnight ® variety is an American selection from 2008, bred by Gavriel Danziger and Moshav Mishmar Hashiva. It has a moderate growth habit, forming a rounded tuft about 70cm (27.6in) tall and 90 to 100cm (35.4 to 39.4in) wide. It is particularly appreciated for its magnificent flowering, which extends throughout the summer period, from July to September. Its inflorescences appear on the upper half of the current year's branches. They consist of countless small dark blue buds, gathered in large whorls or dense clusters arranged in a pagoda-like fashion (in a staggered manner along the branches). The buds open into small flowers with prominent stamens, displaying a deep blue colour. This flowering is particularly nectar-rich, and the bush is often visited by numerous colourful butterflies, as well as bees.
This variety is also truly decorative due to its foliage, as unlike older varieties that tended to turn yellow at the end of summer, it remains green until the end of the season. The deciduous leaves, small in size (4-5cm (1.6-2in) long), are narrow and dentate, and have a shiny dark green surface. They have a slight aroma when crushed.

Caryopteris Beyond Midnight ® is one of those small shrubs that easily combine with perennial sun-loving plants or other flowering shrubs. By planting a few plants of Lavandula angustifolia 'Rosea', a lovely True Lavender with pink flowers that thrives under the same conditions, you can create stunning flower beds alongside it. Salvias are also perfect perennials for their abundant summer flowers, such as Salvia nemorosa 'Amethyst', which will reward you with its spikes of small pink-purple flowers. Also consider adding white blooms, such as those of Potentilla fruticosa 'Abbotswood', or grasses like Stipa pennata, with its silver spikes that dance in the wind. This allows for the coexistence of vibrant colours without compromising taste...