caryopteriis

[craig & jo]

Dear Answerbank,
We have a caryopteris plant in the garden and we want to know if we need to do anything to protect it from the winter. many thanks

[Hawkwalk]

It should be hardy in most parts of the UK. It will perhaps need some shelter if you are in the far north. They are best hard pruned in spring anyway to get flowers on the new growth so any tip damage due to frost will be pruned out.

[FUZZYBEE]

I have a caryopteris and I leave it to die off naturally then in the spring cut it quite short and just leave it and then towards the end of summer it starts to sprout again and produce a lovely display sept/oct. I have found it's virtually indestructable. Mind you as hawkwalk suggested it rather does depend on where you are, If in doubt wrap some fleece around it or bubble wrap.