Buddleia Growing Guide

Buddleja species, Buddleja davidii and Buddleja globosa

Buddleia

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous 

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost or other organic matter.

Position

Full sun to part shade.

Frost tolerant

Butterfly bush is winter hardy only in moderate climates, with winter injury likely below −20°C (5°F). Plants often regrow from the roots following harsh winters.

Feeding

Topdress the root zone with rotted manure in late winter or early spring.

Spacing

Single Plants: 1,80m (5' 10") each way (minimum)
Rows: 1,80m (5' 10") with 1,80m (5' 10") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out container-grown plants in spring, soon after the soil begins to warm. Stem cuttings taken from near the base of plants often root readily in spring. Only very dwarf butterfly bushes can be grown in containers.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Buddleja salviifolia is most commonly grown. There are various hybrids available from nurseries. Hardy and drought resistant it grows thoughout South Africa. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds enjoy the blossoms, produced from midsummer to autumn. Where winters are mild, plants tend to be evergreen. In areas where reseeding is likely, cut back plants regularly through the summer. Light pruning also encourages more late-season flowers. Wait until winter’s end to prune plants back to about 35cm (14 inches), which encourages bushy growth. Butterfly bush blooms on new wood.

Harvesting

Branches can be used in cut arrangements, though the fragrance is not pleasing to all noses.

Troubleshooting

Pests and diseases are uncommon with butterfly bush, which is ignored by rabbits and deer. In late spring, check areas near butterfly bushes for volunteers and pull them out.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Buddleia