Classic
Perennials at Gorge Top Gardens: Buddleia
The beloved Butterfly Bush is one of the
most attractive plants in the garden to our fluttering friends. Butterflies can not resist
the sweet honey smelling nectar of Buddleia flowers. Many butterfly gardens are planned
completely around Buddleia, a genus of more than 100 species. The growth habit,
while not neat and tidy, blends in well with other perennials. This very popular plant is
very easy to grow and is not finicky about soil types. They will tolerate light
shade but for best results plant them in full sun. Pruning may be required to keep the
plant within its bounds and to control height - most varieties can reach heights of up to
8 feet if left uncheked. We recommend a light dressing of bone and blood meals in
early spring just as new growth starts to emerge.
Zones: 5 - 10
Propagation: seed and softwood cuttings
Problems: No specific problems are known
Notes: For best results you should hard prune Buddleias in the fall to
about 12" and provide a good layer of mulch - by doing so you will get tidier plants
and larger blooms.
(bud-lee'ah)
