First Choice Bluebeard

First Choice Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice')

First Choice Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice') is a compact, deciduous shrub prized for its exceptionally deep blue-purple blooms and dense, mounded growth habit. A top selection for late-season color, this variety brings rich contrast and pollinator activity to sunny gardens when many other plants have finished blooming.

Distinctive Features

'First Choice' produces vivid, saturated blue-purple flower clusters along upright stems from late summer through early fall. Its narrow, silvery-green leaves provide a soft backdrop for the intensely colored blooms. Growing just 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, this cultivar has a bushier and denser habit than many other Bluebeards, giving it a more refined look in the garden.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy or poor soils
• Water: Low to moderate; avoid overwatering
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Deep blue blooms and compact habit create visual impact in late summer
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
• Mixed Borders: Blends beautifully with grasses and drought-tolerant perennials
• Foundation Plantings: Neat size fits well near patios and walkways
• Containers: Suitable for sunny pots with good drainage

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during dry spells; drought-tolerant once established
• Pruning: Cut back to a low framework in early spring to promote dense growth and flowering
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Protection: Ensure proper drainage, especially in winter

Why Choose First Choice Bluebeard?

• Intense Blue-Purple Blooms: Among the richest flower colors of any Bluebeard
• Compact and Dense: Neat, mounded shape offers a polished look
• Pollinator Friendly: Provides vital nectar late in the growing season
• Drought Tolerant: Performs well in low-water settings
• Focal Point: Bold color and tidy form command attention in summer borders

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice' combines striking flower color with compact, low-maintenance growth, making it a standout focal point and reliable performer in sunny, well-drained landscapes.