Caryopteris 'Longwood Blue'
Best low-maintenance shrub for attracting pollinators to sunny garden borders.
Caryopteris 'Longwood Blue' is a superior selection of the Blue Mist Shrub, noted for its upright growth habit and heavy production of rich blue flowers from midsummer into fall. This variety features superb silvery foliage that beautifully complements the blooms, making it a garden standout that requires minimal attention. It is highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, adding vibrant life to sunny borders or hedges. Growing to about 4 feet tall and wide, it provides significant impact even in smaller spaces. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade depending on your region.
$26.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
866
/ 2688
#866 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-32%
Below average
SKU
46425
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant color during late-season lulls
- Eco-conscious homeowners supporting local bee and butterfly populations
- Busy landscapers needing low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrubbery
Who should skip it
- Novice gardeners intimidated by aggressive annual pruning requirements
- Owners of shaded yards lacking consistent direct sunlight
- Designers prioritizing year-round structural interest in cold climates
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
A reliable magnet for local butterflies and hummingbirds all season long.
Bloom Longevity
Provides consistent, vibrant color through the late summer heat.
Maintenance Requirements
Thrives with minimal intervention once established in the landscape.
Drought Tolerance
Resilient performance in dry conditions after the initial rooting period.
Growth Habit
Upright, compact structure fits perfectly into smaller garden borders.
Establishment Speed
Delivers impressive blooms during the very first year of planting.
Key Specs
SKU
46425
Item Form
2-Quart
Mature Height
4 Feet
Mature Width
4 Feet
Hardiness Zones
5 - 9
Bloom Start
Mid Summer
Bloom End
Mid Fall
Features
- Superior upright growth habit compared to standard Blue Mist Shrub
- Long bloomtime extending through late summer doldrums
- Heavy flower production with rich blue blooms
- Complemented by attractive silvery foliage
- Highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds
- Performs well as a hedge or border plant
- Blooms in the first year of planting
- Tolerant of drought conditions once established
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the reliability and aesthetic quality of the 'Longwood Blue'. Reviewers frequently note its exceptional hardiness, thriving even in challenging conditions, making it an easy to use addition to the late summer garden. The deep blue flowers are a major highlight, providing a vibrant color pop when other plants fade. While some mention the initial size of the shipped plant is small, the consensus is that it establishes quickly and offers excellent value for its long lasting performance and beautiful design.
Know before you buy
This shrub reaches a mature height and width of approximately 4 feet. Its upright growth habit makes it a great choice for smaller garden spaces or as a structured border plant.
At maturity, this shrub reaches approximately 4 feet in height and 4 feet in width, making it a versatile choice for both small garden beds and larger borders.
Yes, 'Longwood Blue' is known for blooming in its first year of planting. You can expect to see its rich blue flowers appear from midsummer through mid-fall.
Yes, 'Longwood Blue' is known for blooming in its first year of planting, so you can expect to see its rich blue flowers shortly after establishing it in your garden.
Once established in your garden, this variety is quite drought-tolerant. However, it performs best when planted in well-drained soil.
For the best performance, plant it in a location that receives full sun. In warmer regions, it can tolerate partial shade, but full sun will encourage the heaviest flower production.
It thrives in full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade depending on your specific climate and region. More sun generally results in heavier flower production.
Once the root system is fully established, 'Longwood Blue' is quite tolerant of drought conditions, making it a relatively low-maintenance option for sunny landscapes.
Yes, it is highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Its long bloom time provides a consistent nectar source during the late summer months.
Absolutely. The vibrant blue flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice if you are looking to support local wildlife.
Caryopteris 'Longwood Blue' is hardy in zones 5 through 9. It is a versatile choice for a wide range of climates across the country.
This shrub is hardy in zones 5 through 9, meaning it can thrive in a wide range of climates across the United States.
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$27