How to Grow Miss Molly Buddleia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Miss molly buddleia is a beautiful plant that is known for its ability to attract butterflies. The plant is native to Asia, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world. The plant is named after the explorer Sir Richard Budle, who discovered it in China.

How to Grow Miss Molly Buddleia - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Summer Lilac
  • Butterfly Bush
  • Orange Eye Butterfly Bush
  • Blue Butterfly Bush
  • Pink Butterfly Bush

Good to Know

  • The MISS MOLLY Buddleia is a deciduous shrub that can reach up to 6 feet in height.
  • It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are green on top and white with purple flowers underneath.
  • The MISS MOLLY Buddleia blooms from June to August.
  • It is native to China, but has been introduced to many other parts of the world including the United States.
  • MISS MOLLY Buddleia is named after the English botanist Mary Buddle who first described it in 178
  • The MISS MOLLY Buddleia is a food source for many butterflies, including the painted lady and common buckeye.
  • It is also a host plant for the goldfinch.
  • MISS MOLLY Buddleia is a popular landscape plant due to its showy flowers and ability to attract wildlife.
  • It is relatively easy to care for, but can become invasive in some areas.
  • There are many different cultivars of MISS MOLLY Buddleia available, with varying flower colors including white, purple, pink, and blue.

Related plant:
Syringa Patula Miss Kim

Growing Steps

  1. For miss molly buddleia, first step is to plant in well draining soil in a sunny location.
  2. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
  3. Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
  4. Prune back hard in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth.
  5. Enjoy the colorful blooms all summer long!

Related plant:
Miss Violet Butterfly Bush

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, miss molly buddleia is best in well-drained soil but will tolerate some clay content. It's not too particular about pH but prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils. This plant is drought tolerant once established.

Light requirement

Similar to other buddleia, Miss Molly prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's a tough plant, however, and will also tolerate partial shade, especially if it's in a hot, sunny location. It's also quite drought tolerant once established.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of Miss Molly Buddleia is warm. The average temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Miss Molly Buddleia can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but she prefers warm weather. Miss Molly Buddleia can tolerate hot weather, but she prefers milder conditions. Miss Molly Buddleia can tolerate cold weather, but she prefers warm weather.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. It can survive in lower humidity but the growth will be stunted. In higher humidity, the plant is more likely to develop fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant doesn't need much. I would suggest a slow-release fertilizer or even compost would suffice. Also, be sure to check the roots every now and again. If they seem to be crowding the pot, it's time to replant in a larger pot.

Light requirement

Pruning your Buddleia is important to encourage new growth and to keep your plant healthy. You can prune your Buddleia in late winter or early spring. Start by trimming back any dead or damaged branches. Then, cut back the main stems by about one third. This will encourage new growth and help to keep your plant from getting too large.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done in spring or summer, by taking softwood or semi-ripe cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be around 8-10cm in length. Place the cuttings in a pot or tray of moist compost or sand and place in a warm, light spot. Keep the compost moist and in a few weeks the cuttings should have rooted. Once they have rooted, they can be transplanted into pots or into the garden.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 6 inches per year. However, some plants can grow up to 12 inches per year. The miss molly buddleia is a perennial plant, meaning it will live for several years.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are overwatering, under watering, and poor drainage. If the plant is overwatered, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off. If the plant is under watered, the leaves will wilt and the plant will stop growing. Poor drainage will cause the roots to rot and the plant will die.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to plant miss molly buddleia in an area that receives full sun.
  • Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  • Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.
  • Prune back hard in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  • Protect against frost damage by covering plants with a frost cloth or burlap when cold weather is expected.
  • Take care not to overwater as buddleia are susceptible to root rot.
  • Check for pests and diseases regularly and take steps to control them if found.
  • Propagate by taking softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
  • Enjoy the colorful blooms of miss molly buddleia all summer long!

Similar Plants

  • Blazing Star: Liatris pychnostachya.
  • Fire on the Mountain: Erechtites minima.
  • Rose of Sharon: Hibiscus syriacus.
  • Scarlet Firethorn: Pyracantha coccinea.
  • Summer Snapdragon: Angelonia angustifolia.
  • Trailing Lantana: Lantana montevidensis.
  • Trumpet Creeper: Campsis radicans.
  • Trumpet Vine: Campsis radicans.
  • Scarlet Trumpet Vine: Distictis buccinatoria.
  • Yellow Trumpet Vine: Tecoma stans.

Source:
‘Purple Haze’, ‘Miss Molly’, and ‘Ice Chip’ Buddleja
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Buddleja 'Miss Molly'
Buddleia globosa | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University

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