Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy'
Best unique foliage for garden enthusiasts seeking visual interest.
Caryopteris 'Snow Fairy' is a variegated Japanese selection of the Himalayan perennial Caryopteris divaricata. It forms a small, compact deciduous clump with fuzzy, green leaves bordered in white, which emit a cat urine-like scent when crushed. Blooming in late summer to fall, it produces delightful blue flower clusters. This plant is very low maintenance and thrives in light, open shade or morning sun with average to slightly dry, well-drained soil. It is deer-resistant and attracts butterflies, making it a striking addition to cottage gardens, living walls, or night gardens.
$22.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1914
/ 3331
#1914 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-44%
Below average
Zones
59
/ a to b
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking continuous seasonal appeal and unique plant textures
- Eco-conscious individuals and wildlife enthusiasts wanting to support pollinators
- Busy homeowners and new gardeners desiring robust, easy-care landscape additions
Who should skip it
- Gardeners preferring plants that require minimal shaping or intervention
- Homeowners desiring evergreen plants for consistent winter garden structure
- Gardeners with predominantly shaded areas or specific light constraints
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Variegated foliage provides high-contrast interest throughout the growing season.
Maintenance Ease
Low-effort perennial that thrives with minimal intervention once established.
Wildlife Appeal
Reliably draws butterflies and pollinators to the garden in late summer.
Pest Resistance
Strong natural defense against common garden nuisances like deer and rabbits.
Seasonal Versatility
Provides structural beauty and late-season blooms when other plants fade.
Fragrance Profile
Distinctive scent is functional but lacks traditional floral appeal.
Key Specs
Zones
5a to 9b
Dormancy
Winter
Height
24"
Culture
Sun to Part Sun
Origin
Himalayan Mountains
Pot Size
3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
Flower Color
Blue
Leaf Color
Green, Variegated, White/Cream
Features
- Striking variegated foliage with white borders
- Delightful blue flower clusters in late summer and fall
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Attracts butterflies and pollinators
- Very low maintenance requirements
- Compact clump growth habit
- Fragrant foliage when crushed
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and striking aesthetic appeal of this plant. Many highlight its robust health upon arrival and its vigorous growth, establishing well in various garden settings. The unique variegated foliage and delicate flowers are frequently admired, adding a distinctive visual interest that elevates garden design. Its reliable performance and beauty make it a cherished addition for those seeking an uncommon yet dependable specimen.
Know before you buy
This plant performs best in light, open shade or morning sun. While it can handle sun to part sun conditions, it prefers protection from the intense afternoon heat.
Since 'Snow Fairy' forms a compact, 24-inch clump, it works well as a filler in garden beds or containers. You should space them roughly two feet apart to allow for their mature width.
Yes, it is considered resistant to both deer and rabbits. The foliage has a distinct scent when crushed, which typically deters browsing animals.
You will see blue flower clusters appear in late summer and continue through the fall. This makes it an excellent choice for extending interest in your garden after many summer perennials have finished blooming.
It prefers average to slightly dry, well-drained soil. It is not drought-tolerant in the extreme sense, so ensure the soil does not stay consistently soggy or bone-dry.
Caryopteris 'Snow Fairy' is a deciduous perennial, meaning it will go dormant and lose its foliage during the winter months. You can expect it to re-emerge in the spring as temperatures warm up.
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$22