The plant is native to northwestern China and Japan. It is a genus that includes over 100 species and cultivars. Buddleia is a shrub that every butterfly gardener should have in their garden. Also called summer lilac, the medium- to large-sized shrubs can anchor a perennial bed or form a hedge.

 

The species are commonly known as Butterfly Bush due to their attractiveness to butterflies. They are also attractive to bees and humming birds. The flowers of the plant are showy, 4" to 10" long upright or nodding racemes. The common color is lilac with orange in the throat. It is available in pink, red, purple, and white as well. The bloom time is from mid to late summer until frost. The flowers of many cultivars are sweetly fragrant.

 

Another reason for Buddleia's popularity is that it's easy to grow, even hard to kill

a large deciduous shrub 5' to 10' tall. It produces large arching canes. The plant typically dies to the ground in zones 5 and 6. It is a rather unkempt growth habit which can grow 5' to 8' from the ground in a single season.

 

It's generally pest-free, except for spider mite infestations during drought or stress. It performs adequately in spare soil but prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil, a light application of fertilizer in spring, and a few deep watering in summer. The seed germinates readily.

 

Excessive moisture following rooting can kill the cuttings of the plant. One should plant butterfly bush in full sun to part sun. Butterfly bush is the perfect foundation plant for a butterfly garden. The larger cultivars should be placed behind other shrubs and blooming annuals and perennials. Dark flowered varieties show up quite well against a light background.

 

Some of the limitations of the plant are lack of winter hardiness in zones 5 and 6. It is a relatively high maintenance plant and tends to self sow.

 

Did you know?

• The plant was named after the Reverend Adam Buddle who was a botanist and a rector in Essex, England.