Maintenance Landscaping Design

Buddleja davidii is a species of flowering plant in the family Scrophulariaceae, native to central China. It was introduced to the West in 1869 by the plant explorer Augustine David, and is named after him.

Alternative name

• Summer Lilac
  
• Orange Eye
  
• Butterfly Bush
  
• Orange-eye Butterfly Bush
  
• Summer's Lilac

Basic info

• Buddleja davidii is a species of flowering plant in the figwort family Scrophulariaceae.
  
• It is native to central and western China, but has been introduced to many other parts of the world.
  
• The plant is named after the French plant explorer, Augustine David.
  
• It is commonly known as "butterfly bush" due to its attractive to butterflies.
  
• The flowers are produced in dense panicles, and are usually lilac, purple, or white.
  
• Buddleja davidii is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub.
  
• It can grow to a height of 4m (13 ft) and a width of 3m (10 ft).
  
• The leaves are opposite, lanceolate, and 10–20 cm (4–8 in) long.
  
• The plant is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, and can be grown in most soil types.
  
• It is however, susceptible to powdery mildew, and honey fungus.

Related plant:
Buddleja Davidii Nanho Blue

Planting Process

1. For buddleja davidii, first step is to find a sunny location. It should have at least six hours of sun daily.
   
2. The second step is to prepare the soil. It should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.
   
3. The third step is to take a cutting from a healthy plant. The cutting should be about 6 inches long and have several leaves.
   
4. The fourth step is to remove the bottom leaves from the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone.
   
5. The fifth step is to plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix.
   
6. The sixth step is to water the cutting well and place it in a warm, sunny location.
   
7. The seventh step is to keep the soil moist and wait for the cutting to take root, which can take several weeks.
   
8. The eighth step is to transplant the rooted cutting into a larger pot or into the garden.
   
9. The ninth step is to water it well and fertilize it monthly.
   
10. The tenth and final step is to deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooming.

Related plant:
Buddleja Globosa

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Buddleja davidii prefers well-drained soils, and can tolerate most soil types so long as the soil is not waterlogged. It can withstand droughts once established. However, it will not tolerate salt.

About light

Just like other plants, Buddleja davidii requires a good amount of sunlight in order to grow and bloom properly. However, too much sun can actually be harmful to this plant, causing the leaves to become scorched. It is best to plant Buddleja davidii in an area that receives full sun in the morning, with some afternoon shade.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for Buddleja davidii are those that are warm and sunny. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9. In these zones, the average minimum temperatures are -10 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or below. The plant does not tolerate high humidity well. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will become unhealthy.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant that comes to mind is a garden or houseplant. However, did you know that there are many different types of fertilizer, used for different purposes? For example, buddleja davidii is a type of plant that requires little fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually harm this plant. The roots of buddleja davidii are very delicate, and too much fertilizer can cause them to rot. If you are looking to fertilize this plant, it is best to use a light hand.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Buddleja davidii plant healthy and happy. Pruning not only helps to keep the plant looking its best, but can also encourage new growth and help to control the spread of the plant. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems, as well as any suckers that may have appeared.

The Propagation

Propagation : Buddleja davidii can be propagated from softwood or hardwood cuttings, or by seed. To take a softwood cutting, choose a shoot that is soft and flexible, and cut it at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant the cutting in a moistened growing medium. To take a hardwood cutting, choose a shoot that is firm and woody, and cut it at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, and plant the cutting in a moistened growing medium. To sow seed, start in late winter or early spring. Scarify the seeds, stratify them for 30 days, and then sow them in a moistened growing medium. Keep the seedlings moist until they are ready to be transplanted.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate trials have shown that the species has a relatively fast growth rate. In a study conducted in California, the average buddleja davidii growth rate was recorded as 3.5 meters per year (11.5 feet per year). However, the maximum growth rate that has been recorded for the species is 7.6 meters per year (24.9 feet per year). It is believed that the buddleja davidii growth rate is influenced by the plant's native environment and its willingness to flower.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, root rot, and stem canker. Leaf spot is a condition where the leaves of the plant turn brown or black and fall off. Root rot is a condition where the roots of the plant start to rot and the plant dies. Stem canker is a condition where the stems of the plant start to rot and the plant dies.

Basics of Growing

• Do not forget to water your Buddleja davidii regularly, as it is a thirsty plant.
  
• Feed it with a high-potassium fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
  
• Place your plant in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  
• Buddleja davidii prefers well-drained soil, so make sure to plant it in a spot where the soil will not become waterlogged.
  
• Prune back your plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, which can damage your plant.
  
• If you live in an area with cold winters, you will need to protect your Buddleja davidii from the cold by bringing it indoors or placing it in a sheltered spot outdoors.
  
• In the spring, your plant will produce clusters of fragrant, lilac-colored flowers.

Substitution

• Buddleja globosa
  
• Buddleja madagascariensis
  
• Buddleja salvifolia
  
• Buddleja americana
  
• Buddleja colvilei
  
• Buddleja lindleyana
  
• Buddleja asiatica
  
• Buddleja nobilis
  
• Buddleja weyeriana
  
• Buddleja crispa

Source:
Butterfly bush : Buddleja davidii - Buddlejaceae (Butterfly-bush)
Buddleia davidii - Ohio State University
Buddleja davidii - University of California, Berkeley