How to Prune a Bluebeard Caryopteris

Bluebeard caryopteris, also called blue-mist shrub, is a deciduous plant that grows from 3 to 4 feet tall. It has highly scented, vibrant, green leaves and produces dusky-blue flowers late in the season. The shrub's foliage may be extensively damaged by hard freezes, making heavy pruning a necessity before new growth begins in spring. Regular light pruning also rids bluebeard caryopteris of unattractive and damaged foliage and helps extend the bloom cycle.

Pruning shears
Container
Chlorine bleach

Instructions

- 1
  Prevent the spread of disease by dipping the blades of sharp of pruning shears into a container filled with nine parts water and one part chlorine bleach. Rinse the blades thoroughly before pruning the shrub.
- 2
  Prune the branches of bluebeard caryopteris back to within 1 to 3 inches of the soil during very early spring if the foliage was heavily damaged by harsh winter weather.
- 3
  Cut the oldest branches, which appear woodier than other growth, back to soil level in spring, even if extensive winter damage isn't present.
- 4
  Trim away damaged and unattractive branches anytime during the season. Cut branches and stems back to within 1 or 2 inches of the trunk or larger branch from which they extend.
- 5
  Snip off bloom clusters as they fade to encourage continued flowering.

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Shrubs