How to prune caryopteris x clandonensis 'dark knight'

Early spring, once hard frosts have passed (March–April). Prune every stem from the previous season back to 5–10 cm above the old crown, retaining two to three buds per stem. Do not prune in autumn — the old stems provide some winter protection. Avoid cutting into bare old wood below all green buds.

Annually every spring. 'Dark Knight' produces deep blue-violet flowers on the current year's stems, making hard spring pruning essential every year. Cut all stems back to 5–10 cm above the woody base once frosts are past. This keeps the plant compact and maximises late-summer flowering. Neglected plants become woody and produce sparse blooms.

Prune every stem from the previous season back to 5–10 cm above the old crown, retaining two to three buds per stem. Do not prune in autumn — the old stems provide some winter protection. Avoid cutting into bare old wood below all green buds.