Caryopteris × clandonensis ‘Longwood Blue’, commonly known as Bluebeard, is a compact woody shrub valued for its late-season flowering, tidy habit, and strong pollinator appeal. This small shrub typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded shape that fits easily into borders and mixed plantings.

From late summer into early fall, clusters of deep blue flowers appear along the stems, providing color when many other shrubs have finished blooming. The aromatic gray-green foliage adds texture throughout the growing season and contrasts nicely with the vivid flowers. Its compact size makes it especially useful in smaller gardens.

Longwood Blue performs best in full sun and prefers well-drained soils. It flowers on new growth and benefits from being cut back in early spring. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.

Why choose Longwood Blue Bluebeard

Late-season color: Blooms when few other shrubs are flowering
Pollinator appeal: Attracts bees and beneficial insects
Compact habit: Easy to fit into borders and small spaces

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Prefers well-drained soils
Maintenance: Low—prune back in early spring

Designs for your garden

Pollinator gardens: Provides late-season nectar
Mixed borders: Adds color and contrast
Small landscapes: Compact size works well in limited areas

Ecological benefits

Pollinator support: Provides late-season floral resources
Low-input shrub: Performs well with minimal care
Seasonal interest: Extends color into late summer and fall

Looking for Native Alternatives?

Pycnanthemum muticum – Blunt Mountainmint: Blunt Mountainmint is a native perennial with a long summer bloom period and exceptional pollinator value. It provides a similar late-season nectar source and a compact, shrubby presence in sunny gardens.

Monarda fistulosa – Wild Bergamot: Wild Bergamot is a native perennial that produces showy lavender flowers in mid to late summer and attracts bees and butterflies. It offers comparable color impact and strong ecological benefits.

Agastache foeniculum – Anise Hyssop: Anise Hyssop is a native perennial with upright growth and blue-purple flower spikes that bloom through summer. It provides long-lasting pollinator support and works well in sunny borders.

Plant appearance may vary by season and growing conditions. All plants ship healthy with established root systems.