• Image of Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy' taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
    Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG

Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy'

Snow Fairy Bluebeard

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

Shop Available Caryopteris

Item #: 4807

Zones: 5a to 9b

Dormancy: Winter

Height: 24" tall

Culture: Sun to Part Sun

Origin: Himalayan Mountains

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


Yes, Virginia, it is a caryopteris. Forget what you know about Caryopteris x clandonensis, as this cousin comes from a distant limb of the family tree. Caryopteris 'Snow Fairy' is a variegated Japanese selection of the wonderful Himalayan perennial Caryopteris divaricata, which forms a small, compact deciduous clump composed of fuzzy, green, deer-resistant leaves, each surrounded with a bright white border and smelling amazingly like cat urine when crushed (important safety tip...do not crush leaves). Starting in mid-September, the fall-flowering clumps of Caryopteris 'Snow Fairy' are topped with delightful "blue curls." This is a real WOW plant that must be seen to be believed.

Maintenance:

Very low maintenance perennial, requiring really nothing in terms of regular care. If you plant it in a stress situation, you may see white flies, but these aren't a problem when it's growing in better conditions.

Growing Conditions:

Prefers a light, open shade or morning sun position in the garden. Soils can range from average to slightly dry for best results. 'Snow Fairy' is not a plant for overly wet or poorly drained garden sites.

Natural Impact:

Snow Fairy Bluebeard is pollinated by an array of butterflies.