Snow Fairy Caryopteris. I found this beautifully variegated perennial Caryopteris in a small nursery in Japan. It has taken the nursery industry by storm. Its pewter colored leaves with white margins are stunning, and as amazingly as it may be, the leaves do not burn in our full sun here in the Deep South. It will get to 3' plus, but we cut it back heavily in midsummer to encourage sturdy stems for the wispy fall blooming blue flowers which terminate each stems. Two weeks after pruning back it returns to its gorgeous self. Actually this Caryopteris does better here than C. clandonensis. And this is one of the best plants I know to ward of deer. So if they have a favorite spot in your garden, just plant one of these nearby. The pungent foliage will keep them at bay. I have even sprinkled the trimmings from these around susceptible plants and that also works. .
Zones 5-9
