Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Gold Crest'
Gold Crest Bluebeard
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Height
- 2 to 3 feet tall
- Width
- 2 to 3 feet wide
- Flower color
- Deep blue to violet-blue clusters
- Foliage color
- Golden-yellow foliage
- Bloom time
- Late summer to early fall
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune in early spring to encourage new growth and maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
About this plant
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Gold Crest' is a deciduous shrub known for its vibrant golden foliage and clusters of bright blue flowers. The leaves are finely textured, with a luminous golden-yellow hue that creates a bold contrast against the rich blue blooms, which appear from late summer into early autumn. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding life and movement to the late-season garden.
This hybrid, developed in the 20th century, is a result of breeding between species native to East Asia. 'Gold Crest' is particularly well-suited to sunny borders or mixed perennial plantings, where its colorful foliage and blooms provide a cheerful focal point. Its compact, bushy habit makes it versatile for small gardens or container displays, offering interest and color during the transition from summer to fall.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Borders · Butterfly Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Juniper · Beautyberry · Larkspur · Pincushion flower · Wallflower · Grape hyacinth
Design tip
Golden foliage gives this compact shrub enough presence to shape a planting even before the flowers arrive. Use it as a repeating accent through a sunny border, allowing the blue blooms to tie the composition together and carry fresh color into the transition from summer to fall.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
