Beard flowers have become very popular ornamental shrubs in the garden and on the terrace. The mostly blue-flowering shrubs provide color in the garden when most of the summer flowers have already faded. There are now a large number of varieties, some of which are partially hardy.
What types of bearded flowers are there?
There are many varieties of bearded flowers such as Kew Blue, Blue Ballon, Dark Knight, Blauer Sparrow, Grand Bleu, Heavenly Blue, Ferndown, White Surprise, Arthur Simmonds, Summer Sorbet, Worcester Gold and Autumn Pink. The varieties differ in flower color, height, foliage color and winter hardiness.
What you need to know about bearded flowers
The bearded flower (botanical name: Caryopteris x clandonensis) is originally native to China. It is a half-high ornamental shrub that can be planted in the garden and in a container.
Most varieties are only partially hardy. They need winter protection in winter or have to be kept in a pot in the house over the winter.
Good bee pasture
Most bearded flowers produce blue flowers. “Autumn Pink” is now the first variety with pink inflorescences.
The foliage of the bearded flower is also very decorative, depending on the variety. This is especially true of “Worcester Gold”, whose leaves shine golden yellow.
Useful insects such as bees and bumblebees are magnetically attracted to the bright flowers. The non-toxic bearded flowers are therefore often planted as bee pasture.
Small overview of known varieties of bearded flower
| Variety name | Flower color | Height | Leaves | Wintering | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kew Blue | Dark blue | up to 80 cm | glossy green | not hardy | suitable for pots |
| Blue Balloon | bright blue | up to 130 cm | Silvergreen | conditionally hardy | late flowering |
| Dark Knight | Nightblue | up to 100 cm | Greygreen | conditionally hardy | slightly scented leaves |
| Blue Sparrow | Deep blue | up to 70 cm | Green | not hardy | busy |
| Grand Bleu | Dark blue | up to 100 cm | glossy green | conditionally hardy | busy |
| Heavenly Blue | Dark blue | up to 100 cm | Green, grey-green underside | conditionally hardy | busy |
| Ferndown | Gentian Blue | up to 100 cm | Green | up to -17 degrees | long flowering period |
| White Surprise | Deep blue | up to 100 cm | Green, white underside | conditionally hardy | light mint scent |
| Arthur Simmonds | Lavender Blue | up to 120 cm | Silvergreen | conditionally hardy | light scent |
| Summer Sorbet | Light blue | up to 80 cm | Green-Yellow | conditionally hardy | suitable for pots |
| Worcester Gold | bright blue | up to 70 cm | Golden Yellow | not hardy | suitable for pots |
| Autumn Pink | Pink | up to 100 cm | Green | not hardy | very sensitive to frost |
Tip
The leaves of the bearded flower are often slightly hairy and exude a delicate, sometimes stronger scent. This keeps lice and other pests away.
