Caryopteris cland. 'Stephi'

Overview and Features

Caryopteris clandonensis 'Stephi' is a compact, deciduous shrub known for its dense growth habit, attractive blue-green foliage, and a profusion of lavender-blue flowers that bloom from late summer into autumn. As a cultivar of Bluebeard or Blue Mist Spirea, ‘Stephi’ is prized for both its ornamental value and appeal to pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

This variety is more compact than traditional Caryopteris, making it especially suitable for smaller gardens, patio containers, and mixed borders. The aromatic foliage and long-lasting flowers make it a favourite for low-maintenance planting schemes with late-season interest.

• Compact size: approx. 40–60 cm tall and wide

• Flowering time: August to October

• Attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

• Silvery-green foliage with a soft texture

• Excellent for dry, sunny borders and coastal gardens

• Deciduous: dies back in winter and regrows in spring

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Caryopteris 'Stephi' is very easy to grow, thriving in well-drained soils and sunny locations. It requires little maintenance beyond occasional pruning.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun to flower well and maintain a compact form

  • Avoid planting in deep shade, as flowering will be reduced

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Tolerates sandy or chalky soils, even in drier regions

  • Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils without added grit

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first growing season

  • Once established, tolerant of dry conditions

  • Overwatering can lead to root problems—especially in heavy soils

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring

  • Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which can reduce flowering

• Pruning:

  • Prune in early to mid-spring, once new growth begins

  • Cut back all stems to 10–15 cm above ground to encourage compact, bushy regrowth

  • Do not prune in autumn or winter, as the stems help protect the root crown

Landscape Uses and Combinations

'Stephi' adds valuable late-season colour when many other perennials are fading, making it a standout in sunny planting schemes.

• Best Uses:

  • Mixed perennial borders, especially towards the front or mid-section

  • Gravel gardens and Mediterranean-style plantings

  • Containers and small patio gardens

  • Useful as a pollinator-friendly plant in wildlife gardens

• Design Pairings:

  • Combine with plants that flower earlier to extend seasonal colour:

    • Lavender, Salvia, Perovskia, Achillea, Sedum

  • Good contrast with ornamental grasses such as Stipa tenuissima or Pennisetum

Additional Notes

• Hardiness:

  • Hardy in most UK and Irish gardens (RHS H4-H5; approx. –10°C to –15°C)

  • In colder areas, apply mulch around the base for winter protection

  • New shoots emerge from the base in spring after a winter die-back

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally trouble-free

  • May occasionally suffer from aphids or root rot if overwatered

  • Ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew

• Wildlife Value:

  • Flowers are rich in nectar and pollen

  • Ideal for supporting pollinators late in the season

• Size
  3 Ltr pot

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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