Buddleia varieties is a flowering shrub that is native to Asia and Africa. It is also known as the summer lilac or butterfly bush. The plant is named after the Rev. Adam Buddle, an English botanist and clergyman. The shrub is a deciduous plant that can grow to be 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Buddleia varieties can be found in a variety of colors including white, pink, purple, and blue. The plant blooms from June to September and is a popular choice for butterfly gardens.
Related plant:
Buddleia Flower Power
Related plant:
Buddleia Pugster Blue
About soil condition, generally speaking, most Buddleja are tolerant of poor soils, including those that are dry, gravelly, or sandy; they also thrive in moderately fertile soils as long as they are well-drained. In fact, Buddleja actually prefer locations that offer full sun and well-drained soil. However, too much water can be detrimental to the plant, leading to root rot.
Not too different with other plants, the amount of sun your Buddleia needs depends on the variety. Some can tolerate full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Be sure to check the plant tag or label before you buy, so you know what youre getting.
The temperature conditions that are best for Buddleia vary depending on the variety. For example, the Lo andBehold series can tolerate both hot and cold temperatures, while the Miss Molly variety prefers warmer climates. In general, though, most Buddleia varieties prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is about 40%, but it can grow in a range of 30-50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves may start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves may start to yellow and drop off.
The fertilizer, this type of plant need and the root system are two key things to focus on when discussing buddleia varieties. The root system is important because it helps the plant to absorb nutrients from the soil. The fertilizer helps the plant to get the nutrients it needs to grow.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your Buddleia healthy and happy. Depending on the variety of Buddleia, you will need to prune at different times of the year. For example, the early-flowering varieties such as Royal Red and Pink Delight need to be pruned in late winter. This ensures that they produce plenty of flowers in the summer. The late-flowering varieties, such as Bicolor and White Profusion, should be pruned in late summer. This gives them time to produce flowers in the autumn. When pruning your Buddleia, always use sharp, clean secateurs. Cut back the stems to just above a pair of leaves. You can also cut back to a bud if you want to encourage more branching. Dead, diseased or damaged stems should be removed completely. Regular pruning will keep your Buddleia looking good and flowering prolifically. So dont be afraid to get stuck in your plant will thank you for it!
Propagation is best done in late summer or early fall for most varieties of Buddleia. The best method is to take softwood cuttings from new growth. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of the stems. Make sure to remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a moistened mix of perlite and sand. The cutting should be placed so that the leafless portion is buried. Be sure to keep the cutting moist and in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. In 4-6 weeks the cutting should have rooted and can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively fast. They can grow up to 3 feet per year and can reach a height of 20 feet. The leaves are dark green and the flowers can be any color from white to purple.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can be controlled with fungicides. However, if the plants are too stressed, they may be more susceptible to these diseases.
Source:
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: BuddleiaUC IPM - ucanr.edu
Buddleia X Weyeriana Sungold | NC State Extension
(PDF) Flavonoids from Buddleja parviflora - Academia.edu
