Ken, Caryopteris divaricata, either the species or cultivars, is a herbaceous perennial, not a sub shrub like C. clandonensis. It dies back to the ground like any other, even in zone 6A. I cut it back in fall when I'm doing garden clean up.

BTW, you should try 'Snow Fairy' with Geranium 'Rozanne' climbing through it.

I have C. clandonensis and absolutely love it! So when I saw your post I wondered if this was something I wanted to get for my garden. Upon reading about it I came across an interesting statement that when the leaves of C. divaricata are crushed, it smells like cat urine. Is this true? I like the variegated leaves and it does look like it's going to do well.

It's nice to know someone else takes pictures of their plants in less than optimal condition:) Yours looks just like mine before I cut it back and I love the way mine propagates itself when it touches the ground. Babies to give away or plant in my own garden!!

Vickie

Yes, it smells like cat urine. lol I love it too though and mine is like this - an herbaceous perennial.

I just grab the dead by the handful and twist...comes right off!

Thank you, Vickie! Great idea for propogation. I'll have to bend a few branches down into the soil and get some babies going. I LOVE this plant. It is truly one of my very favorites so I'll have to make at least 5 more and see where I can fit them in!

I especially like companion planting it with Dicentra spectabalis, so that when the Bleeding Hearts are fading away, the Caryopteris is just starting to emerge. Perfect planting partners!