How to Grow White Buddleia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2025

White buddleia is a plant that is native to Africa and Asia. It is a member of the family Lamiaceae, which includes a number of other well-known plants such as mint, basil, and lavender. The white buddleia plant is a deciduous shrub that can grow to a height of 6 feet. It has oppositely arranged leaves that are oblong in shape and measure up to 6 inches long. The plant produces clusters of white flowers that are very fragrant. These flowers attract a wide range of insects, including bees, butterflies, and moths.

How to Grow White Buddleia - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

Butterfly bush
Summer lilac
Orange eye
Yellow flag
Foxtail

Basic info

Buddleja or Buddleia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Scrophulariaceae.
Commonly known as the butterfly bush, it attracts butterflies and other insects.
The genus is native to Africa, Asia and the Americas.
There are over 140 species in the genus.
The leaves are opposite and simple, with entire margins.
The flowers are produced in clusters at the ends of the stems.
The flowers are of different colors, depending on the species. They can be white, cream, yellow, orange, pink, purple or blue.
The fruit is a dry capsule containing numerous small seeds.
Buddleja is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Some species of Buddleja are considered invasive in some parts of the world.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Runaway Bride Snow White

Growing Steps

For white buddleia, first step is to choose a sunny spot in the garden that has good drainage.
Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and removing any weeds.
You can either start with a young plant or seedlings.
Plant the seedlings or young plant at the same depth it was in the pot.
Space the plants about 3 to 4 feet apart.
Water the plants thoroughly after planting.
Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and control weeds.
Buddleia are fast growers, so you will need to fertilize them regularly.
In late spring, you can start to deadhead the flowers to encourage more blooming.
Once the plant is established, it will need little maintenance other than occasional pruning to shape it.

Related plant:
White Forsythia

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, white buddleia thrives in any well-drained soil, including both neutral and acid pH levels. It's also tolerant of salt and brackish water, making it a good choice for coastal areas.

Light condition

Like the other plants, white buddleia needs sunlight to grow. Without adequate sun, the plant will become leggy, with thin stems and small leaves. It's best to grow white buddleia in an area that receives full sun for at least six hours a day. partial sun is fine, but the plant will need more water to stay hydrated.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is optimal for white buddleia growth is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. White buddleia can be damaged by prolonged exposure to temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is within the range of 40% to 60%. If the air is too dry, the plant may experience drought stress which can cause the leaves to drop and the flowers to wilt. If the air is too humid, the plant may experience leaf spot and root rot.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, this family of plant foods, provides the essential nutrients that white buddleia needs for proper growth. A fertilizer high in phosphorus encourages root development, while a fertilizer high in nitrogen produces more foliage.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your white buddleia healthy and looking its best. To encourage new growth and blooms, you should prune your plant in early spring. Cut back any dead or diseased branches, and then trim back the remaining branches by a third. This will help encourage new growth and prevent your plant from becoming too leggy.

About Propagating

Propagation is by cuttings taken in summer, or by seed in spring. For seed, sow in a cold frame in early spring. Cuttings can be taken from new growth in late spring or early summer and rooted in a propagator or pot of moist cutting compost.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 10 to 12 inches per year. However, some cultivars may have a growth rate of up to 24 inches per year. The white buddleia is a deciduous shrub that blooms on new wood. It is best to prune white buddleia immediately after it has finished blooming.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. These can all be controlled with fungicides. However, if the plant is already infected, it is best to remove it and destroy it to prevent the spread of the disease.

Tips on Growing

If you want to grow white buddleia, choose a location that has full sun and well-drained soil.
Before planting, mix some organic matter into the soil to help improve drainage.
Plan on planting white buddleia in the spring or early summer.
When buying white buddleia plants, look for those that are healthy and have a good root system.
Once you have your white buddleia plants, water them well and then keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Fertilize your white buddleia plants every few weeks during the growing season.
To encourage more flowers, deadhead (remove) spent blossoms.
In the fall, cut white buddleia plants back by about one-third to help promote new growth in the spring.
Winterize your plants by covering them