Caryopteris clandonensis Thetis - Bluebeard

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Thetis'  is a cultivar appreciated for its generous flowering, later and longer in intense blue flower clusters, fading only after the first frosts! Its flowering lasts on average 10 days longer than other varieties. This deciduous bush has a bushy habit reaching a maximum height of 1m (3ft) and light, grey-green foliage that enhances the deep colour of its flowers. Quite hardy and drought-resistant, plant it in large groups, as a border against a wall or in a container in full sun in well-drained soil, even limestone or dry, preferably rich. It is the perfect species for creating easy-to-maintain flower beds and bringing spectacular colours to the garden when it is lacking.

The Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Thetis' is one of the hybrids obtained by crossing Caryopteris incana, an Asian bush called 'Bluebeard', and Caryopteris mongolica, hardier, native to colder regions of Mongolia and northern China. They all belong to the verbena family.

The variety 'Thetis' is cultivated for its particularly late and long flowering. With rapid growth, this bush forms a bushy clump reaching 1m (3ft) in height and 80cm (32in) in width. It blooms in the second half of summer and until the first frosts: from August to October. Its flower heads appear on the upper half of the year's branches. They are composed of countless small blue buds, gathered in large whorls or dense clusters arranged in a staggered manner. The buds open into small flowers of a fairly dark and intense blue, with prominent stamens. This flowering is particularly honey-producing and nectar-rich, and the bush is often visited by many colourful butterflies. The foliage, deciduous and absent in winter, is a collection of thin and triangular leaves, 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) long, aromatic, with irregularly toothed edges, arranged in an opposite manner on straight stems. They have a grey-green colour, with a silver underside. When crushed, they release an aroma with resinous notes.

The Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Thetis' is used as a border, in flower beds, and as a low hedge, in the company of summer-flowering shrubs that are just as undemanding as itself: Russian sage (Perovskia), bush cinquefoils, St. John's worts, catmints, Ceratostigma griffithii, lavenders, dwarf buddleias, perennial or shrubby salvias. In a dry garden with a more natural style, plant it with grasses and silver-leaved shrubs such as stipas and wormwoods. A very romantic scene can be created in late summer by combining the pink caryopteris with shrubby lavenders (Barnsley, Princesse de Ligne, Blue Bird), shrubby wormwoods, and asters. A group of 3 shrubs surrounding pastel repeat flowering roses look beautiful in September, as their flowers contrast gloriously. Also, place it in a beautiful pot on a patio or balcony, in a sheltered position.