Butterfly bush - Buddleja davidii (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Butterfly bush

Also known as: Orange-eye butterfly bush, Swallowtail butterfly

Buddleja davidii, commonly known as butterfly bush, is a fast-growing shrub native to East Asia. This vigorous plant is usually cultivated as an ornamental, due to its extravagant purple inflorescences. It carries the name butterfly bush because its flowers are a valuable source of nutritious nectar for numerous butterfly species.

Scientific classification

Species

Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

1 m to 5 m

Plant Height

1.2 m to 4.5 m

Spread

Green, Gray, Yellow, White, Variegated, Silver

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Purple, White, Pink, Red, Blue, Lavender

Flower Color

Green, Gray, Silver, Purple

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Butterfly bush

Distribution of Butterfly bush

Distribution Map

Butterfly bush is native to central China and Japan. It prefers to grow in mountainous lowland areas and on slopes. It has been introduced as a garden ornamental to the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and some parts of Africa. However, it is listed as invasive in the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and parts of the United States.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rocky riverside, waste places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Economic Value

Aromatic oils can be extracted from summer lilac flowers.

Garden Use

The butterfly bush is considered a very versatile flower which can be found in cottage, children's, butterfly, drought-tolerant, and pollinator gardens. It is particularly popular among gardeners for its planting versatility in borders and hedges, attractiveness to pollinators, and resistance to animals. Plants such as Heliotrope and Lantanas make good companion plants for the butterfly bush.

Symbolism

New beginnings, rebirth

Interesting Facts

Though its flowers provide a plentiful food source for many types of butterflies, the butterfly bush isn't always as pollinator-friendly as its name suggests. It tends to crowd out the plants many caterpillars depend on in areas where it's invasive, such as North America's Pacific Northwest.

Name Story

Butterfly bush: It is a lively shrub and it sprouts purple florets that form a cone-shaped ball flower. When the flowers are in full bloom, many butterflies will be seen flying around the shrubs like they are dancing with joy. As their nectar is butterfly's favorite food, it is called butterfly bush.

Summer lilac: Lilac can be traced back to the word, "leylak" in Turkish language which is probably originated the name of the plant in the Balkans. Now, lilac is referred to as an aroma or a pale violet tone. Furthermore, Buddleja davidii's flowers are purple and fragrant, and it blooms in the summer. Hence, it is known as summer lilac.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Butterfly bush, including the following common varieties :

Butterfly bush 'Buzz Ivory'Butterfly bush 'Pink Delight'Butterfly bush 'Blue Chip'Butterfly bush 'White Profusion'Butterfly bush 'Empire Blue'Butterfly bush 'Wisteria Lane'Butterfly bush 'Dartmoor'Butterfly bush 'Buzz Midnight'Butterfly bush 'Black Knight'Butterfly bush 'Royal Red'

Quickly Identify Butterfly bush

Opposing, tomentose leaves with fuzzy undersides

Terminal inflorescences in showy panicles

Trumpet-shaped flowers with orange-yellow throat

Small, two-valved capsules with 3 million seeds

Distinctly four-sided, flexible stem with opposite branching

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Care Guide for Butterfly bush

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Butterfly bush thrives near riverbanks and prefers regular moisture, requiring watering twice a week. It is moderately drought-tolerant but grows best with consistent hydration. Plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot during the active growing season for optimal health and attractive blooms.

Fertilize: Butterfly bush requires regular fertilization for optimal growth, ideally with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and water after fertilizing to enhance nutrient absorption. Reduce feeding during dormant periods to prevent over-fertilization.

Pruning: Butterfly bush flourishes with proper pruning, ideally cut back to ground level in early spring for vigorous growth and larger blooms. Regularly remove dead wood to maintain health, enhancing air circulation and reducing pests. This promotes strong new shoots before flowering, boosting overall vigor and bloom quality.

Propagation: Butterfly bush is a fast-growing deciduous shrub that attracts butterflies with fragrant flowers. For propagation, take cuttings from new growth with leaves, trim below a node, and use rooting hormone. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm, using a plastic cover until roots develop.

Repotting: Repot butterfly bush every 2-3 years in fresh soil to support its growth. Repotting should occur in early spring, using larger containers for root space. After repotting, minimize watering and ensure ample sunlight for this semi-hardy plant's successful transition.

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Images of Butterfly bush

Distribution of Butterfly bush

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Butterfly bush

Care Guide for Butterfly bush

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