How to Grow Buddleja Davidii Pink Delight - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Buddleja davidii pink delight is a shrub that typically grows to 6-8 feet tall and wide. It is a deciduous shrub with ovate to lanceolate, toothed leaves that are greenish-gray in color. The fragrant flowers are pink and bloom in summer.

How to Grow Buddleja Davidii Pink Delight - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Butterfly bush
  • Pink butterfly bush
  • Summer lilac
  • Orange eye
  • Mountain lilac

Basic info

  • Buddleja davidii Pink Delight is a species of flowering plant in the family Scrophulariaceae.
  • It is native to central and western China.
  • This plant was named after French missionary and naturalist Père Armand David.
  • Pink Delight is a deciduous shrub which can grow up to 3 m (8 ft) tall.
  • It has an arching habit with lance-shaped leaves.
  • The flowers are pink and produced in dense clusters.
  • The plant blooms from late summer to early autumn.
  • It is a popular garden plant and is often used in butterfly gardens.
  • This plant is easy to grow and is tolerant of most soil types.
  • It is propagated by cuttings or from seed.

Related plant:
Buddleja Davidii Nanho Blue

Planting Process

  1. For buddleja davidii pink delight, first step is to find a spot that receives full sun or at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
  2. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter.
  3. Amend the soil with compost or manure before planting.
  4. It is best to plant buddleja davidii pink delight in the spring or fall.
  5. Space the plants 3-4 feet apart.
  6. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s root ball.
  7. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  8. Water the plant deeply after planting.
  9. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  10. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.

Related plant:
Buddleja Asiatica

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Buddleja davidii 'Pink Delight' prefers well-drained soils, yet is quite tolerant of poorer soils and will even grow in heavy clay soils. It is not fussy about soil pH, but does best in full sun.

Light requirement

Similar to other Buddleja species, Buddleja davidii pink delight requires full sun to grow and bloom optimally. However, it is more tolerant of partial sun than some other species. It will still bloom in partial sun, but the blooms will be less abundant. If you live in an area with hot summers, you may want to give this plant some afternoon shade to protect it from the heat.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for Buddleja davidii pink delight is optimum at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Below this, the plants will not bloom as well. However, they are still able to tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50% Buddleja davidii 'Pink Delight' is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub with an upright, arching habit. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The leaves are dark green and lance-shaped, with a silver-gray underside. The flowers are pink, tubular-shaped blooms that appear in midsummer and attract butterflies. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soils. It is tolerant of drought and salt spray. Deadhead spent flower heads to encourage reblooming.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant requires little to no fertilizer and too much will actually damage the plant. They are drought tolerant, but will not survive if the soil is constantly wet. The best way to determine if they need water is to stick your finger in the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil is dry, they need water.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your Buddleja davidii Pink Delight is an important part of plant care. This plant can become leggy and overgrown if not pruned regularly. Pruning also encourages new growth and keeps the plant looking its best. To prune, simply cut back any overgrown or leggy stems to the desired length. New growth will quickly fill in any bare areas.

About Propagating

Propagation of Buddleja davidii 'Pink Delight' is easy by seed or semi-ripe cuttings in late spring or early summer. Sow seed on the surface of a well drained seed sowing mix and gently firm down. Place in a propagator or seal inside a clear polythene bag at a temperature of 18-21C until after germination which usually takes 21-60 days. Alternatively, take semi-ripe cuttings in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that has hardened off, and be around 10-12cm long. Use a sharp knife or secateurs and take a slanting cut just below a node. Remove the bottom leaves and insert the cuttings around the edge of a 9cm pot filled with moistened cutting compost. Cover with a clear plastic bag or propagator lid and place in a bright, warm place out of direct sunlight. Keep the compost moist but not wet and roots should form within 3-4 weeks at which point the cuttings can be potted on into 7.5-10cm pots and grown on under glass.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate issues are due to environmental conditions. A lack of sunlight is the main cause for a lack of growth. If your plant is not getting enough sun, try moving it to a location that receives more sunlight. Another common cause of slow growth is too much water. If you think your plant is getting too much water, try letting the soil dry out between watering.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are usually due to over-watering, but it can also be caused by pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. Pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and scale can infest the plant and cause damage. Diseases such as powdery mildew or botrytis can also cause problems. Nutrient deficiencies can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown and the plant may not flower properly.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to water your plant regularly, especially during the warmer months.
  • Place your plant in a sunny spot for best growth.
  • Fertilize your plant every few months to keep it healthy and encourage growth.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it looking its best.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly.
  • Harvest the flowers regularly to enjoy their beauty and to promote continued growth.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to prevent the plant from going to seed.
  • Enjoy watching the butterflies and other pollinators that are attracted to Buddleja davidii plants!
  • Share your love of Buddleja davidii plants with others, and help spread the joy.
  • Have patience – it can take a few years for a Buddleja davidii plant to reach its full potential.

Related Plants

  • Buddleja 'lpink delight' -
  • Buddleja davidii -
  • Buddleja davidii 'pink delight' -
  • Buddleja davidii 'profusion' -
  • Buddleja davidii 'fortnight lily' -
  • Buddleja davidii 'white profusion' -
  • Buddleja 'longstock park pink' -
  • Buddleja saligna -
  • Buddleja madagascariensis -
  • Buddleja asiatica -

Source:
PlantFacts - Ohio State University
Butterfly bush : Buddleja davidii - Buddlejaceae (Butterfly-bush)
Buddleja davidii (Buddlejaceae) - HEAR species info

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category