BLUE MIST SHRUB: LOW GROWING SHRUB BEARING BLUE FALL FLOWERS

Blue Mist Shrub is a low-growing shrub that bears blue flowers in the fall.  The shrub is excellent for planting in front of other shrubs, because it is only 2 to 3 feet tall.  The light blue blooms also are attractive with late-blooming perennials and annuals in fall colors such as orange and yellow.  The fringed flowers appear in clusters in late August, and continue to bloom until frost.  Their foliage is silvery green.

This shrub is not very hardy north of New Jersey, but does well well in the south and west.  It is advisable to select a protected spot for these shrubs with a lot of sun and a well-drained location.  Flowers are borne on the new shoots that grow each spring

VARIETIES

Simply blue mist shrub (botanically, Caryopteris) disignates it.

HOW AND WHEN TO PLANT

It is recommended that these shrubs be planted in spring.  Dig a hole large enough to hold the roots without crowding, and in the bottom of it mix some peat moss.  Set the plant in place, pack good soil firmly around the roots, and water thoroughly.

CARE AND PROTECTION

In cold winters this shrub is likely to die to the ground.  In that case, cut it all the way back.  Even if it is not winterkilled, hard spring pruning will help to keep the plant compact and more free flowering.  New shoots will grow in a few weeks.