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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Gold Crest'

Gold Crest Bluebeard

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late summer to early fall

Find this plant

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.