Plant Min Zone: 5a
Plant Max Zone: 9a
Sunlight: All Day Full Sun, Full Sun
Water / Rainfall: Low, Average
Soil Quality: Poor, Average
Bloom Season: Late Summer, Fall
Flower Color: Violet Blue, Blue
Berry / Fruit Color: Insignificant
Spring Foliage Color: Mint Green
Summer Foliage Color: Mint Green
Fall Foliage Color: Mint Green, Yellow
Evergreen Foliage: Some
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: Yes
Drought Tolerance: High
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Medium
Wind Tolerance: High
Poor Soil Tolerance: Rocky Soils, Sandy Soils, Shallow Soils, Alkaline Soils (high PH), Acidic Soil (low PH)
Height: 2' - 3'
Width: 2' - 3'
Growth Rate: Slow, Medium
Service Life: Long: 5-10 years
Maintenance Need: Low
Spreading Potential: Low
Yearly Trimming Tips: Shrub Normally Winter-kills so trim to 6-12" off Ground in Winter or Early Spring: Blooms on New Wood.
Plant Grouping Size: Specimen Planting of 1-3, Small Grouping of 3-5, Medium Grouping of 5-10
Best Side of House: South Exposure, West Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Top of Retaining Wall Locations, Survives Severe Drought, Tolerates Extreme Heat, Resistant to Rabbits
Ornamental Features: Multiple Seasons of Interest, Long Blooming Season, Exceptional / Colorful Foliage
Special Landscape Uses: None
Possible Pest Problems: Root Rot Disease
Plant Limitations: May get Occasional Winter-kill, Needs Thick Winter Mulch, Needs Excellent Drainage
Dark Knight Caryopteris (Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight') features darker green summer foliage followed by late-summer deep blue flowers and a compact growing habit. It adds much-needed color to the late summer landscape and makes a handsome companion with perennials. A great favorite with pollinators of all types (bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds) in the late season garden. Caryopteris demands a sunny spot and very well-drained soil. Wet soils, particularly those that remain soggy during periods of cold weather, will cause root rot. For this reason, we recommend early season planting of caryopteris in zones 5. In Eastern Kansas, this cultivar performs WELL with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Heat and drought are tolerated well. Cold tolerance is no problem for us in zone 6. Caryopteris gives great winter interest with it's dried flowers. The only maintenance this shrub needs is cutting back about 1/2 way in early spring before new growth emerges. No disease or pest problems. Great plant for berms or hot West or South exposures in full sun. Do not plant in rich moist soils or root rot will probably occur. Even when not blooming, the compact green foliage looks good on it's own or combines well with earlier season blooming red, purple, blue, or magenta flowering plants. Combine with crapemyrtles and butterflybush to create a late season "all you can eat" buffet for pollinators!