How to Grow Buddleja Royal Red - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Buddleja royal red is one of the most beautiful plants that you can find. It has big, dark green leaves and stunning red flowers. This plant is very easy to care for and it is perfect for any garden.

How to Grow Buddleja Royal Red - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Alternanthera ficoidea
  • Begonia coccinea
  • Boussingaultia baselloides
  • Callistemon citrinus
  • Cestrum fasciculatum

Good to Know

  • Buddleja Royal Red is a hybrid cross between Buddleja davidii and Buddleja globosa.
  • It is a deciduous shrub that can reach up to 5 m in height.
  • The leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape and are dark green in colour with a purple tinge.
  • The flowers are dark red in colour and are produced in terminal panicles.
  • Flowering occurs from late summer to early autumn.
  • The fruits are small, dark brown capsules.
  • The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained soils.
  • It is also tolerant of salt spray and can be grown near the coast.
  • Buddleja Royal Red is an attractive plant for bees and butterflies.
  • It is also an excellent plant for screens and hedges.

Related plant:
Buddleja Davidii Nanho Blue

Planting Process

  1. For buddleja royal red, first step is to find a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
  2. Clear the area of any weeds or debris.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  4. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  5. Tamp down the soil gently to remove any air pockets.
  6. Water the plant deeply to settle the roots.
  7. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  8. Prune the plant back by one-third its size in late winter or early spring.
  9. Fertilize the plant in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  10. Keep an eye out for pests or diseases and treat accordingly.

Related plant:
Buddleja Pink Delight

The Soil

About soil condition, Buddleja Royal Red prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is a good idea to amend the planting bed with compost or other organic matter before planting. This will help the plant to establish quickly and encourage strong growth.

Light requirement

Not too different with other Buddleja varieties, the Royal Red prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's a heat-loving plant, so if you live in a hot climate, this is a great choice for your garden. It's also drought-tolerant, so it's a good plant for areas that don't get a lot of rain.

The Temperature

The temperature condition is optimal for Buddleja royal red when it is grown in full sun and the daytime temperatures are between 21-27 degrees Celsius. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity is too high, the plant will be more susceptible to fungal diseases. If the humidity is too low, the plant will become stressed and will be more susceptible to pests and diseases.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant is not fussy and will do well with most types of fertilizer. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. In terms of watering, the plant prefers to have its roots kept moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out in between waterings.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Buddleja royal red plant healthy and looking its best. Pruning not only helps to keep the plant tidy, but can also encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can prune your Buddleja royal red plant in early spring or late summer.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Buddleja royal red is best done by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from new growth, and the base of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. The pot should be placed in a warm, bright location, and the cuttings should be kept moist. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 3 to 6 inches per year. However, some buddleja royal red can grow up to 12 inches per year. The buddleja royal red prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant is also drought tolerant.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are typically mildew or rust. These can be caused by too much water or too little water. If the plant is not getting enough water, the leaves will start to turn brown and curl up. If the plant is getting too much water, the leaves will start to rot. These problems can be fixed by adjusting the watering schedule.

Growing Tips

  • If possible, choose a planting site that receives full sun.
  • Buddleja plants are generally drought tolerant, but they will flower and grow best with regular watering.
  • Add a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Prune back the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  • Fertilize the plant once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Be on the lookout for common pests and diseases, such as aphids, scale, and powdery mildew.
  • Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming.
  • You can propagate buddleja plants by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer.
  • If you live in a cold climate, you may need to provide winter protection for your buddleja plant.
  • Remember that

Substitution

  • B. davidii 'Royal Red'
  • Buddleja albiflora 'Royal Red'
  • Buddleja alternifolia 'Royal Red'
  • Buddleja madagascariensis 'Royal Red'
  • Buddleja x atrivenosa 'Royal Red'
  • Buddleja x weyeriana 'Royal Red'
  • Buddleja madagascariensis 'Avis Koopmans'
  • Buddleja madagascariensis 'Foetida'
  • Buddleja madagascariensis 'Maraisii'
  • Buddleja araucana

Source:
Buddleia | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red'
Buddleia alternifolia | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University

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