How to Grow Yellow Buddleia - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Yellow buddleia is a beautiful plant that is native to China. It has long been cultivated in China for its stunning flowers which can range in color from yellow to orange. The flowers of this plant are very fragrant and attract many bees and butterflies. Budleia is a great plant for those who are looking to add a splash of color to their garden.

How to Grow Yellow Buddleia - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

Yellow Sage
Dwarf Butterfly Bush
Summer Lilac
Orange-eye Butterfly Bush
Orange-striped Butterfly Bush

Common Knowledge

Yellow buddleia is a shrub that can reach up to 6 feet in height.
It has long, slender leaves that are green on top and yellow on the bottom.
The flowers of the yellow buddleia are small and tubular, and they grow in clusters. They are usually a pale yellow color, but can also be white or pink.
The flowers of the yellow buddleia are very fragrant, and they attract a variety of insects, including bees, butterflies, and moths.
Yellow buddleia is native to China, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States.
In the wild, yellow buddleia grows in open, sunny areas, such as along roadsides and in open fields.
Yellow buddleia is relatively easy to grow in the home landscape, and it can be propagated from cuttings.
Yellow buddleia may be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including scale insects, mealybugs, and powdery mildew.
Yellow buddleia is a popular plant for use in butterfly gardens, as the flowers attract a variety of butterfly species.
Yellow buddleia is considered an invasive species in some areas of the United States, and it can spread rapidly in natural areas if not controlled.

Planting Process

For yellow buddleia, first step is to take cutting from the plant in early summer.
Cut a 3-6 inches long stem from a young, healthy plant.
Remove the bottom leaves so that only 2-3 sets of leaves remain.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
Place the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix.
Cover the pot with a plastic bag or clear container to create a humid environment.
Place the pot in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
Keep the potting mix moist, but not wet.
In 4-6 weeks, the cutting should have rooted and new growth will appear.
Once the cutting has rooted, transplant it to a larger pot or outdoors in a garden bed.

Related plant:
Yellow Bell Bush

The Soil

About soil condition, the yellow buddleia prefers well-drained soil, and it is best to plant them in soil that is not too rich in nutrients. They are also tolerant of poor soils, but they will not flower as well in those conditions.

About light

Just like other plants, buddleia needs sunlight to grow. However, unlike other plants, buddleia can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. This makes buddleia a great choice for gardeners who want to add a splash of color to a shady spot in their yard.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for yellow buddleia is warm weather. This plant grows best in full sun and thrives in temperatures that are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too cold, the plant will become dormant and will not bloom.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40%-60%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to curl and the plant will become stressed. If the humidity rises above 60%, the leaves will start to drop and the plant will become limp.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does not need a lot. In fact, too much fertilizer will cause the plant to produce more leaves than flowers. A light fertilizer application in early spring is all that is necessary. As far as the roots go, they are not overly fussy. A well-drained soil is best, but once established, the plant is relatively drought tolerant.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your yellow buddleia looking its best. Depending on the type of buddleia you have, you will need to prune it differently. If you have a hybrid buddleia, you should prune it back by about one-third in the spring. If you have a species buddleia, you should prune it back by about one-half in the spring.

The Propagation

Propagation is best carried out in late spring or early summer. Take stem cuttings around 10-15cm long from new growth and root in a propagator or pot of moistened compost. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged and in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. New plants should be ready to pot on and plant out the following spring.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate quickly, with some species capable of reaching 6 feet in height within a single season. The plant's aggressive nature can be a drawback in some garden settings, as it readily crowds out other nearby plants.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, spider mites, and whiteflies. If you see any of these pests on your plant, you should take action to remove them. You can do this by hand-picking the pests off of the plant, or by using a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

Tips on Growing

Remember to plant your yellow buddleia in an area that gets full sun. Six hours of direct sunlight is ideal.
Buddleia are fast-growing shrubs, so make sure to give them plenty of room to spread out.
When first planting, water your shrub deeply and then keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Fertilize your yellow buddleia twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.
To encourage more flowers, deadhead the spent blooms regularly.
Prune back your plant in late winter or early spring to keep it looking its best.
Be on the lookout for pests such as scale, aphids, and whiteflies. Treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.
Buddleia are generally disease-resistant, but can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid climates.
If you live in an