Small deciduous shrub with lanceolate mid-green leaves to 5cm in length, turning crimson-red in autumn. Smallish bright blue flowers held in terminal clusters appear in late June – early July. Good seedheads in autumn-winter.
H x S: 1m x 1.2m
Aspect and soil: Not too fussy about soil as long as well drained but best in light, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade, sheltered.
Use: place towards the front of the border. Good in Mediterranean garden schemes with Caryopteris, Stipa, etc. – although it doesn’t like to dry out too much.
Care: Cut back dead flowers in early spring to about an inch of the old growth, or more to keep compact, and mulch with garden compost (5-10cm).
Wildlife: Good for bees and pollinators.
Hazard: —
Origin: China, Tibet.
Hardiness: H4
GILG GARDEN DESIGN 