High Country Gardens
Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight'
Best low-maintenance shrub for gardeners seeking late-season pollinator support.
The Dark Knight Caryopteris, or Bluebeard, is a modest-sized shrub celebrated for its abundant, deep blue flowers that bloom in late summer when other shrubs are scarce. Its tidy, upright, and mounding growth habit makes it ideal for smaller gardens, low hedges, or companion plantings. This reliable variety consistently flowers heavily, providing a vital nectar source for bees and butterflies. It's also drought-resistant and low-maintenance once established, offering a beautiful and effortless addition to your landscape.
$11.89
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2598
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-70%
Below average
Ships As
Potted Plant
/ Potted Plant
Who it's for
- Xeriscaping enthusiasts living in hot, arid climates
- Wildlife lovers wanting to attract pollinators while deterring pests
- Gardeners seeking vibrant color during the late summer slump
Who should skip it
- Cold-climate residents worried about winter plant survival
- Low-maintenance gardeners intimidated by annual structural pruning
- Shade-garden owners lacking consistent, direct sunlight
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
A reliable magnet for bees and butterflies during late-season nectar gaps.
Drought Resilience
Thrives with minimal supplemental water once the root system is established.
Maintenance Ease
Requires very little intervention to maintain its tidy, mounding form.
Deer Resistance
Reliably ignored by browsing deer, protecting your landscape investment.
Seasonal Impact
Provides essential late-summer color when most other garden shrubs fade.
Growth Versatility
Compact habit fits perfectly in containers or tight garden borders.
Key Specs
Ships As
Potted Plant
Mature Height
36-48 inches tall
Mature Spread
48 inches wide
USDA Hardiness Zones
5-9
Propagation
Cutting propagated
Neonicotinoid Free
Yes
Bloom Season
Summer, Fall
Evergreen/Deciduous Type
Deciduous
Features
- Striking deep blue flowers
- Blooms late summer into fall
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Drought tolerant once established
- Deer resistant for protection
- Low maintenance requirements
- Upright, mounding growth habit
- Fragrant flowers
What customers say
Customers consistently highlight the exceptional quality of the 'Dark Knight' plants received. They arrive healthy and establish quickly, demonstrating excellent reliability even in challenging climates. The deep blue color is a major draw, providing essential late season nectar for pollinators. Reviewers feel this plant offers significant value, performing exactly as advertised and requiring minimal fuss, making it a highly dependable addition to the late summer garden.
Know before you buy
No, this is a deciduous shrub. It will lose its leaves in the winter and go dormant, then sprout fresh new growth in the spring.
Since this shrub reaches a mature spread of about 48 inches, you should space them at least four feet apart if you are planting them in a row or as a hedge.
Yes, once established, the Dark Knight is quite drought-tolerant. However, it will still need regular watering during its first growing season to help it develop a strong root system.
While no plant is completely deer-proof, the Dark Knight is generally avoided by deer due to its fragrant foliage. It is a reliable choice for landscapes where deer pressure is a concern.
Absolutely. Its tidy, mounding habit makes it well-suited for large containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and receives full sun throughout the day.
It prefers sandy, well-drained soil. If you have heavy clay soil, it is best to amend it with organic matter or plant in a raised bed to ensure the roots do not sit in water.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$12