Photo of Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice' flower by Avant Gardens

Photo by Avant Gardens

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice'

Also Known As

  • Caryopteris 'First Choice'
  • Blue Mist Shrub
  • Blue Mist Spirea
  • Caryopteris
  • First Choice
  • First Choice Blue Mist Spirea

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

  • H: 30"-3'
  • W: 3'

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice' plant details

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial shrub with green foliage. In fall and summer blue and purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice'

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 30 IN - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: blue and purple blooms in fall and summer
Uses: fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice'

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

New from England where renowned breeder Peter Catt selected it for its early bloom, its excellent compact rounded 2-4' habit, AND it deeeep rich blue flower color...enjoy! S/M/GDr PP11958
Englishman Peter Catt bred sterling qualities into this easy-to-care-for Caryopteris: deep, vivid blue blossoms, an earlier, extended bloom period, and a neatly compact form that requires little pruning. 'First Choice' also earns its place for winning whorls of inky flowers, which emerge from the leaf axils along the upper part of each erect stem. Serrated, with a green sheen topside, the linear leaves are a soothing gray-green beneath. Blue Mist Spiraea offers arresting texture and color when staged with the toasty hues of Sedum 'Autumn Fire' and Spodiopogon sibiricus.(PP#11,958)
First choice was originally bred by Peter Catt of Liss Forest Nursery in Hampshire, England. It has more buds than most cultivars and an earlier bloom time; dark ink-blue buds opening to dark purple-blue flowers. This cultivar has wider leaves than species, dark green, satin appearing surface. More dense, more compact than most. PP11958

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

This Blue Mist Shrub is a handsome introduction from Britain, selected for its earlier bloom, deep blue color and compact habit. Dark gray green aromatic foliage. 3' x 3'. Shipping trade gallons.

Gardening facts about Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice' plant

How to Grow Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Caryopteris for your garden

aka Bluebeard, Snow Fairy Bluebeard

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy' by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

aka Caryopteris clandonensis Summer Sorbet®, Caryopteris incana 'Summer Sorbet', Summer Sorbet Blue Mist Spirea

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Summer Sorbet' PP15935 foliage by Avant Gardens
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Scientific Name: Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Lisaura'

aka Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Hint of Gold', Hint of Gold Blue Mist Shrub, Hint of Gold Bluebeard, Hint of Gold False Blue Spirea

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Caryopteris x clandonensis Hint of Gold PP20608 foliage by Secret Garden Growers
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More Options

aka Worchester Gold Golden Blue Beard

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun - bright shade
  • drought tolerant
Photo of Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Worcester Gold' form by Karl Gercens III
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aka Bluebeard

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 3'-5'

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Caryopteris incana flower, form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

+23 more Caryopteris
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