This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moderately fertile, light, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: August to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This compact caryopteris is invaluable for adding a blast of late summer and autumn colour to both borders and pots. It's very hardy and easy to grow, and it looks sublime when the deep bluish purple flowers open from bud.
  
  
• Garden care: In March prune all of the flowered stems back hard to the permanent framework. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost around the base of the plant.