….added to my scented shrub collection!
I was seeking out a scented shrub in flower now, as I was aware of a flowering gap in my scented shrub border. I was thinking of possibly a Caryopteris, which blooms at this time, but it prefers a sunny position, and our border is predominantly shady. I was open to options.
The nursery had a wide selection of Caryopteris available, and I succumbed, choosing Caryopteris x Clandonensis “Dark Knight”. This variety has the usual silvery-blue foliage, that is strongly aromatic, and the flowers are a lovely deep blue. The bees just love them! It was even obvious in the nursery – they were all over them!
I know! I said the Scented Shrub border was in shade! I’ve decided, that to increase my repertoire and accommodate more sun lovers, it’s time to extend, and the only other sunny area available is the front garden. So that is going to become “Phase 2”.
There’s still the gap in the display in the border in the back garden to solve. On the way out, there was a display of miniature Daphnes, several of which were either flowering or about to. I saw one – Daphne x Napolitana “Meon”. That would fit the bill! A small, scented shrub, reaching only 10″ x 18″, that had only 3 tiny rose pink flowers on it, but was still pumping out a very tempting scent even on this small scale. An impulse buy, well justified!
And a small pressy for my mum! She has been on the lookout for a prostrate Rosemary, so when I saw one I had to treat her.
And then back to the garden to enjoy the remnants of summer sun. As I sip my wine, I’m watching the bees flocking to the “Dark Knight”. Bliss! 🙂
The Long Garden Path 
Nice choice! Watching bees flocking to a new comer in the garden is always quite fascinating don’t you think?
Anything that encourages bees and butterflies is ok by me! The front garden should be all the better for it! 🙂
Didn’t know that Caryopteris was scented….and I like the sound of the dwarf Daphne. Hmm, got me thinking….
The Caryopteris is scented by virtue of its aromatic leaves. It smells a bit like sage. Beautiful to the touch. And the bees love it, too! This particular Daphne is completely new to me, so I must wait and see!
Sounds good! Haven’t come across this caryopteris and only have the Heavenly Blue but it’s much loved by insects too. They don’t care about varieties as we do! 😉
The nursery had so much choice, including a gold leaved variety. I prefer the slightly more glaucous leaves myself. I did consider “Kew Blue”, but plumped for the darker colour.