CARYOPTERIS. East Asia. A small group of shrubs and woody-based perennials of the verbena family, with paired, aromatic leaves. The flowers are small but borne in often dense clusters, made even showier by the protruding, colored stamens. Most are winter-deciduous. These are fine choices for shrubby borders and open banks, thriving in full sun and most soils, with moderate to only occasional watering. Their hardiness varies as shown.
x clandonensis. Blue spiraea. A small deciduous shrub with crowded narrow, grey green, resinously fragrant leaves. It is decorated by clusters of tiny blue blossoms throughout the summer months. The traditional selection ‘Blue Mist’ bears masses of bright blue flowers. Those of the newer ‘Dark Knight’ are of even darker color. ‘Worcester Gold’ is distinguished (or cursed, some might say) by bright yellow leaves. Shearing off the spent flower clusters encourages repeat performances. Sun, reasonably well drained soil, moderate to occasional watering when established. Hardy to below 0oF.
odorata? The plant received under this name seems not quite to fit its textbook description but is quite beautiful. It grows strongly erect to about 4' and is sparingly branched, its stems lined by pairs of dark, pointed-oval 2-3" leaves. In the leaf axils nestle small clusters of irregular flowers, deep pink with white markings and showing off long, curved stamens.