Description
Small, fast growing deciduous shrub (H 0,8-1,2 m, W 1-1,3 m). Bark light grey to light brown-grey. Branches thin, open, arching. Leaves lanceolate (4-6 cm), dark grey-green, underneath silver-grey hairy, scented. Flowers numerous, small, in axilary inflorescence along the young shoots, dark violet-blue, scented. Flowering period: August-October. Fruits small dry nutlets, in umbells, light brown, ornamental, persist on branches long into winter. Attracts butterflies and bees. Requires light, moderately dry, well-drained soils, in sunny, warm, sheltered sites. Some young branchlets may die in winter, but the shrub grows back well in spring. Caryopteris × clandonensis is a cross between C. incana and C. mongholica.