Caryopteris

It doesn't exactly trill off the tongue - caryopteris. In fact, it sounds like some sort of rapacious dinosaur. It's common name, blue mist shrub, or even bluebeard, fits this delightful fall bloomer much better.

Blooming now, the little powder-puff blue blossoms are brightening my ailing garden (it would look great next to the blue-green leaves of the iris, but I have to cut those into fan shapes to clip off the borer damage).

And the bees and butterflies are buzzing around this shrub, which is airy, small, with wiry-looking stems that branch out in a not-unattractive shape. The leaves are very tiny, and I believe aromatic.

It is a shrub that would benefit from something solid behind it, and punched up with complementary or contrasting color, such as yellow, or orange, making this shrub, which blooms into fall, a great little addition to any garden.

Some cultivars have deeper blue flowers that are a near striking purple, such as 'dark knight.' Depending on the cultivar, bloom time can vary, as well.

I have mine near itea shrubs, which ignite to provide that contrast, as well as the cheerful 'sheffield' mums of salmon pink. As a trio, they create a caravan of color and texture for fall excitement.

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons, and keeping the garden going until the last frost (hello snapdragons, etc.) can be a fulfilling hobby after retreating indoors during the blazing heat of summer. Now is the time to reclaim your garden!