Caryopteris kew blue is a plant that is native to China and Japan. It is a member of the mint family and has blue flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant grows to be about two feet tall and prefers to grow in full sun.
Related plant:
Caryopteris X Clandonensis
Related plant:
Caryopteris Blue Mist
About soil condition, Caryopteris Kew blue prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil that is moist but well-drained. If the soil becomes too dry, the leaves may start to curl and the plant may become stressed. To avoid this, water regularly and deeply, especially during hot, dry weather. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to help retain moisture.
So, like the other plants, caryopteris kew blue needs sun to live. Without sun, the plant will eventually die. It is important to make sure that the plant gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. If the plant does not get enough sun, it will become weak and unhealthy.
The temperature condition for Caryopteris Kew Blue is warm. This means that it can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it will thrive in temperatures that are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. This plant cannot tolerate low humidity conditions and will start to drop leaves if the humidity level is below 50%. If the humidity level is too high, the plant will start to get leaf fungus.
The fertilizer, usually the plant food, that you will use for your caryopteris kew blue should be based on the recommendation of a soil test. A well-balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, or one with a slightly higher nitrogen content, such as 12-12-12, is best. If you use a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content, such as 30-10-10, you will encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flower production. Apply the fertilizer when you plant the caryopteris kew blue and again in early spring, before new growth begins. Scratch it into the surface of the soil around the plant, taking care not to get any on the plant itself. Water the fertilizer in well.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your Caryopteris Kew Blue healthy and looking its best. This shrub can be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. You can prune to shape the shrub or to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Propagation for Caryopteris Kew Blue is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches in length and taken from healthy, new growth that has not yet flowered. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems, as this is where the most actively growing tissue is. After taking the cuttings, remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in hormone rooting powder. The cuttings can then be planted in a well-draining rooting medium. Be sure to keep the cuttings moist, but not wet, and in a location with bright, indirect light. Cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.
Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate depending on the species. However, some are known to grow quite rapidly. They are generally deciduous shrubs, although a few are evergreen. They range in size from 2 to 6 feet tall and wide. Most have blue or purple flowers that appear in late summer or early fall.
Common problems for this kind of plant include powdery mildew, downy mildew, stem rot, root rot, and leaf spot. These problems can be caused by too much or too little water, over-fertilizing, or poor drainage. To help prevent these problems, water your caryopteris kew blue regularly and evenly, fertilize it sparingly, and make sure it has good drainage.
Source:
Caryopteris, or Bluebeard, is outstanding in gardens
Species: Caryopteris x clandonensis - Cornell University
Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis)-Hort Answers
