Black knight butterfly bush is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to Africa. The genus name, Euryops, is derived from the Greek words eurys, meaning "large", and ops, meaning "eye", referring to the flower heads. The species name, pumilio, means "dwarf", referring to the plant's small size. Black knight butterfly bush is a small, shrubby plant that typically grows to 1-2 feet tall and wide. It has dark green leaves that are Moderately toothed, and small, tubular, white flowers that bloom in summer. The flowers are borne in clusters at the ends of the stems, and are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. This plant is easy to grow in most soils, and tolerates both full sun and partial shade. It is drought-tolerant and does not require much maintenance. Black knight butterfly bush is an important nectar source for bees and butterflies, and makes an attractive addition to any garden.
Related plant:
Buddleja Black Knight
Related plant:
Blackhaw Viburnum
About soil condition, the Black Knight Butterfly Bush does best in average to slightly acidic, well-drained soils. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay, but it does not like wet, mucky soils. It can be grown in full sun to part shade.
Similar to other plants, the Black Knight Butterfly Bush needs sun to grow and produce flowers. It should be planted in an area that receives full sun to partial sun. This plant is relatively drought tolerant once it is established, so it does not need a lot of water.
The temperature condition for the black knight butterfly bush is that it should be planted in an area that receives full sun. It is tolerant of high heat and humidity, and can even tolerate some drought conditions. However, it will not do well in areas that are too cold or too hot.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and the plant will eventually die. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will become moldy and the plant will also eventually die.
For the fertilizer, this kind of plant does best with a slow-release organic fertilizer. You can also top dress the soil with compost in the spring. As for the roots, they are relatively shallow so you will want to make sure the soil is amended with organic matter to help hold moisture.
Pruning your black knight butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) will help to promote new growth and keep your plant looking its best. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. You can also prune in summer, if needed, to shape the plant or remove any dead or damaged growth. To prune, simply cut back the stems to the desired length using sharp pruning shears.
Propagation for black knight butterfly bush is best done through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from new growth. Strip the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-drained potting mix and water well. Place the pot in bright indirect light and keep the soil moist but not wet. Cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once roots have developed, transplant to a larger pot or to the garden.
Usually, the plant growth rate is about 3 to 5 feet per year. Some can grow up to 10 feet in a single year, but this is rare. The black knight butterfly bush is a very hardy plant and can withstand most conditions. It is drought tolerant and can handle poor soil conditions. The black knight butterfly bush does best in full sun, but can tolerate some shade. It is a very versatile plant and can be used in many different landscape designs.
Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, powdery mildew, and bud blast. Root rot is caused by too much water and can be fatal to the plant. Powdery mildew is a fungus that can cause the leaves to turn yellow and the buds to fall off. Bud blast is a disease that can cause the buds to turn brown and drop off.
Source:
Butterfly bush - Kansas State University
Butterfly Bush | Mississippi State University Extension Service
Butterfly Bush | Jefferson County | Washington State University
