Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Blue Balloon' | Blue Balloon 40-90cm - 9lt

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Summer Sorbet' is a colorful and hardy shrub with a striking appearance. It is a hybrid plant that combines the best traits of two different species, Caryopteris incana and Caryopteris mongholica. This perennial shrub grows to a height of 2-3 feet with a spread of 2-4 feet and has an arching, bushy habit with dark green leaves that create a beautiful contrast for the colorful flowers that bloom on it.

The most striking feature of 'Summer Sorbet' is its vibrant blue-violet blooms that start appearing in late summer and last well into fall. These flowers are produced in terminal clusters and contrast beautifully with the foliage. Unlike other Caryopteris varieties, the blooms of the 'Summer Sorbet' have pink and creamy white variegated margins, giving them a unique bi-color feature.

In addition to its attractive visual appeal, the 'Summer Sorbet' is highly attractive to butterflies and bees, making it a perfect addition to any pollinator garden. It also adapts well to dry and windy conditions, making it ideal for locations that experience drought. The shrub can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and sandy loams, as well as acidic or alkaline soils.

To maintain the shrub's healthy growth, it is recommended to prune it in the early spring before new growth appears. This pruning will help to stimulate the growth of new shoots, resulting in a denser shrub and more profuse blooming. It is also important to water the plant regularly during its growing season and avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause excessive growth and reduce the plant's flower production.

In summary, Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Summer Sorbet' is a low maintenance, colorful, and hardy shrub that can add vibrancy and pollinator attraction to any garden. With its showy blue-violet blooms, bi-colored margins, and striking foliage, the plant is sure to become a standout in any landscape.