Question

MY SAPPHIRE SURF BLUEBEARD HAS TWIGS THAT EXTEND PAST THE LEAVES. I THINK THAT WAS FROM THE LAST TIME IT FLOWERED. WHEN SHOULD I TRIM THEM? TO WHAT LENGTH SHOULD I TRIM THEM?

Answer

Depending on how cold the winter, caryopteris sometimes experiences winter dieback. Yes, it’s a good idea to trim off the tips of the stems to the point where they are leafing out. If you want to help it put on more width, prune the stems back about halfway. Do you have room in your garden for more plants? If so, check out these butterfly and hummingbird favorites. They will pair well with your Sapphire Surf.