Bluebeard

Bluebeard 'Stephi' will bring a summer mood to your garden that lasts until late autumn. This smaller shrub is derived from species originally growing on the sunny and dry slopes of East Asia. Therefore, even in our conditions, it thoroughly enjoys full sun, heat, and excellently drained sandy-loam soil. It easily handles drought and does not suffer from diseases or pests. From August to September, it forms dense panicles of flowers, which in the 'Stephi' cultivar have an unusual light pink color. This creates a delicate contrast with the fragrant grayish-green leaves. During bloom, the shrub is besieged by bees and butterflies, for whom it provides valuable late pasture. It perfectly fits into gravel and Mediterranean-style beds. You will receive a mature seedling in a pot from us, which you can simply transplant outside. Even beginners can easily manage its care. The twigs are suitable for cutting for vases, and the ornamental seed heads decorate the garden or dried arrangements even during winter.

Bluebeard Dark Knight brings a deep blue color to the garden just as most summer perennials are slowly finishing their bloom. This deciduous subshrub, created by crossing species native to East Asia, loves full sun and well-draining, even sandy soil. It tolerates drought and scorching heat excellently, so it is suitable for gravel beds or sunny slopes. The entire plant is strongly aromatic and when the leaves are rubbed, it releases a spicy scent reminiscent of resin and lavender. The Dark Knight cultivar stands out with particularly dark, indigo-purple flowers that create a beautiful contrast with the silvery-green leaves. Thanks to its late blooming time in August and September, it acts as a significant magnet for bees, bumblebees, and butterflies, providing them with valuable food before the approaching winter. It is advisable to leave the faded inflorescences on the plant over the winter, not only for their ornamental effect but also as root protection; the cutback is performed only in the spring. The sturdy stems with flowers can also be used for cutting into fresh bouquets, where they stay fresh for several days.

Bluebeard Hint of Gold will brighten up the garden at a time when most perennials are already finishing their bloom. This deciduous subshrub is valued primarily for the unconventional coloring of its leaves, which sprout in bright yellow tones and gradually transition into a soft yellow-green. This creates a perfect and fresh contrast to the deep blue-purple flowers that appear on the plant from August to October. The whole plant is strongly aromatic and upon touch releases a pleasant spicy scent that reminds one of a mix of herbs, conifer needles, and resin. Thanks to its compact growth around 60 to 90 centimeters, it perfectly fits into lower shrub groups or as a specimen plant in perennial beds, where it is guaranteed to draw attention to itself. The original species of bluebeard come from the dry and sunny steppe regions of East Asia, which predestines their requirements in our gardens as well. They require full sun and very well-draining, even stony or sandy soil, as they do not tolerate waterlogging, especially in the winter months. Hint of Gold is frost-resistant, yet it is advisable to cover its roots slightly with conifer branches for the winter. In the spring, a deeper cutback is needed, which will promote the bush's density and an abundant set of flowers on new shoots. The flowers are literally a magnet for bees, bumblebees, and other pollinators, representing a valuable source of nectar in late summer. The twigs can also be used for cutting into a vase, where they will spice up any autumn bouquet with their scent and the unconventional color combination of leaf and flower.