Clandon barbula 'Dark Knight' 2L

Clandon barbula 'Dark Knight' – Blue Accent in Autumn Beds

Clandon barbula 'Dark Knight' (Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Dark Knight') is a showy, semi-woody shrub, known for its intense blue flowers and aromatic, silvery-gray leaves. This plant is an excellent choice for late summer and autumn beds, as its flowering falls at the end of the growing season, adding color to the garden when most plants have already faded. It is easy to grow, drought tolerant, and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Main features of the Clandon barbula 'Dark Knight'

Flowers

• Colour: Deep, dark blue – more intense than in other varieties of barbula.
• Shape: Small, tubular flowers gathered in dense paniculate inflorescences.
• Flowering period: August–October, perfectly bridging the gap between summer and autumn flowers.
• Decorativeness: Flowers appear at the tops of the shoots, attracting the eye and pollinating insects.

List

• Colour: Silvery-gray, covered with delicate fuzz.
• Shape: Narrow, lanceolate leaves with slightly serrated edges.
• Odour: Aromatic – when rubbed, they give off a pleasant, herbal scent.

Cut

• Form: A compact, spherical shrub with erect, slightly spreading stems.
• Height: It reaches 80–100 cm, which makes it an ideal choice for medium-sized beds.
• Width: It grows about 80 cm, forming a dense lump.

Cultivation requirements of the Clandon barbula 'Dark Knight'

Location and soil

• Position: Full sun – the more light, the more abundant flowering and intense color of the flowers.
• Soil: Light, permeable, moderately dry to dry, neutral to slightly alkaline. Ideal on sandy soils.

Watering and fertilizing

• Watering: It tolerates drought, but young plants require regular watering, especially on hot days.
• Fertilization: In the spring, you can use a compound fertilizer to help with growth and flowering.

Care

• Trimming: In early spring (March–April), cut the shoots low to the ground (at a height of 10–15 cm) to stimulate the plant to intensive growth and abundant flowering.
• Wintering: Fully frost hardy in zones 6–9. In colder regions, it is worth covering the base of the plant with a layer of mulch.
• Reproduction: The easiest way to propagate is by semi-woody cuttings in summer.

The use of the Clandon barbule 'Dark Knight'

Flower beds and garden compositions

• Perennial beds: It blends perfectly with other late-flowering plants such as coneflowers, sedums, rudbeckias and asters.
• Multi-level compositions: It looks great in the company of ornamental grasses, e.g. miscanthus or roses.

Bed and path edging

• Due to its compact habit, it is suitable for planting along paths and at the edges of beds.

Pots and containers

• It is perfect for large pots, decorating terraces and balconies.

Naturalistic and Mediterranean gardens

• It fits well into naturalistic and Mediterranean arrangements thanks to its drought resistance and silvery foliage.

Why choose the 'Dark Knight' Clandon barbula?

• Intense color of flowers: The deep shade of blue attracts attention and stands out from other plants.
• Long flowering: It blooms in late summer and enjoys beautiful flowers until autumn.
• Drought resistance: Ideal for dry locations and for people who prefer low-cost garden care.
• Attracts pollinators: Its flowers are loved by bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.
• Versatility: It is suitable for flower beds, pots or naturalistic gardens.

Specification

• Flower pot: 2 liters
• Age: 2 years old
  
• Frost resistance: Yes