Shrub of the Month: Butterfly Bush

Buddleia davidii is commonly called butterfly bush because of the hordes of butterflies (and bees) that are attracted to its wonderfully fragrant flowers. A less frequently used common name is summer lilac, recognizing the spikes of lilac-colored flowers. An orange throat adds a special pizazz to the flowers.

Although the flowers do not last as long as anyone would like them to, they are delightful when in bloom. Blossoms form on long spikes and open mid-summer to September depending on the variety.

Flower color varies based on cultivar. 'Pink Delight,' a deep pink Dutch introduction with compact growth and gray-green foliage and 'Charming' with pink blossoms and orange throats provide a soft color in the garden. Other blossom colors include blue, lilac, mauve and reddish-purple to deep purple. The darkest purple is 'Black Knight.' The 'Petite Plum' blossom is reddish-purple with orange throat.

Buddleias transplant easily, even in mid-summer. Best growth occurs in well-drained, fertile soils in full sun, although they also grow in the worst urban soil.

They form arching shrubs from 5 to 10 feet tall. Buddleias are grown as an herbaceous perennial in Illinois. They generally die back to the ground each winter. Cutting them back to the ground each year maintains a neater habit. Since the flowers form on new wood which grows quickly each spring, this proves to be very acceptable to both gardeners and butterflies.

Early Summer 1997
Watering Lawns Properly | 1997 Perennial Plant of the Year - Salvia 'May Night' | Shrub of the Month - Butterfly Bush | Garden Myths | Basics of Fertilizing Houseplants | Cybergarden Sites | Bug Bites | Lawn Care Calendar | Hort Shorts | Hort Tips | Food Safety: The Summertime Rules | Healthy Cooking: All Vegetables Are Not Created Equal | Locally Grown: The Best Is Yet to Come | Health Update: First Aid Kit To Go | Health & Household Tips | Did You Know?

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