Butterfly bush
Buddleia davidii
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perennialshrubs
Pl. FD96 — Buddleia davidii
Buddleia davidiiBuddleia davidiiBuddleia davidiiBuddleia davidiiBuddleia davidiiBuddleia davidiiBuddleia davidiiBuddleia davidiiBuddleia davidiiBuddleia davidiiBuddleia davidiiBuddleia davidiiBuddleia davidiiBuddleia davidii
IOverview
Overview
Buddleia davidii is a perennial shrub native to several regions in China and Tibet. It is known for its ornamental value, often grown for its attractive flowers. This shrub is adapted to a range of growing conditions, including dry to moist soils and a variety of soil types, from light and sandy to heavy clay. It thrives in slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5. One of its distinctive features is its ability to grow quite tall, reaching heights of up to 3.0 meters. Its hardiness allows it to survive in a range of temperatures, making it suitable for growth in different areas. Overall, Buddleia davidii is a versatile and attractive shrub that can add beauty to various landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Butterfly bush?
Buddleia davidii is a perennial shrub native to several regions in China and Tibet. It is known for its ornamental value, often grown for its attractive flowers. This shrub is adapted to a range of growing conditions, including dry to moist soils and a variety of soil types, from light and sandy to heavy clay.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
This perennial shrub prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, and can thrive in a variety of soil types, including light, medium, and heavy soils. It requires moderate to high light and can tolerate dry to moist water conditions. Hardy in temperate regions, it can be grown in areas with moderate temperatures. Propagation methods are not specified, but it can be grown into a large shrub, reaching heights of 3 meters. With proper care, it can be a beautiful addition to any garden, attracting pollinators and adding beauty to the landscape.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Butterfly bush for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance shrub that will attract butterflies and bees to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Butterfly bush plants or seeds, gardening gloves, trowel, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 7-7.5; use a pot at least 10 inches wide if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors after danger of frost passes; for direct sowing, wait until spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy; avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure (6-8 hours daily), water deeply once a week, and mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage bushier plants; deadhead spent flowers to promote more blooms.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting regular pruning, and using the wrong pH soil.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Other uses:DyeFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 26 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 26 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 4 native· 26 introduced
Europe7 regions
introduced (7)BelgiumBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (1)China
introduced (1)Georgia
Americas3 regions
introduced (3)ColombiaCubaEcuador
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Cameroon
Broader regions
introduced:Ascension, Argentina South, Delaware, Brazil Southeast, British Columbia, California, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Brazil South, District of Columbia, East Himalaya, Illinois, Alabama
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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