How to Grow Yellow Butterfly Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Yellow butterfly bush is a plant that is native to China. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 3-4 meters tall. The leaves are ovate-shaped and the flowers are yellow. This plant blooms from June to September. The fruit is a black capsule.

How to Grow Yellow Butterfly Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Buddleja
  • Summer lilac
  • Orange eye
  • Butterfly bush
  • Yellow flag

Basic info

  • The yellow butterfly bush (Buddleja lindleyana) is a deciduous shrub that is native to China.
  • It grows to a height of 6-10 feet and has a spread of 4-6 feet.
  • The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, 4-8 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. They are greenish-yellow in color and have a silvery-white underside.
  • The flowers are yellow, tubular, and arranged in clusters. They bloom from July to September.
  • The fruits are round, black, and 1/4 inch in diameter. They are produced from September to October.
  • The yellow butterfly bush is poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.
  • It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and butterfly parks.
  • It is tolerant of urban pollution and does not require much maintenance.
  • It can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.
  • The yellow butterfly bush has been known to cause contact dermatitis in some people.

Related plant:
Ornamental Bush With Yellow Flowers

Growing Steps

  1. For yellow butterfly bush, first step is to find a sunny spot in your garden.
  2. Then, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  3. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  4. Water the plant deeply to settle the roots.
  5. Place a layer of mulch around the plant, but keep it away from the stem.
  6. Butterfly bush is a fast grower, so you will need to fertilize it regularly.
  7. To encourage more blooms, deadhead the spent flowers.
  8. In late fall, cut the plant back to about 2 feet to encourage new growth in the spring.
  9. Yellow butterfly bush is susceptible to several pests and diseases, so be sure to keep an eye out for any problems.
  10. With proper care, your yellow butterfly bush will thrive and provide you with beautiful blooms for years to come!

Related plant:
Yellow Camellia

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the yellow butterfly bush requires well-drained soil that is moderately moist. It will tolerate some drought conditions and does not like to have "wet feet." Heavy, clay soils should be avoided.

Light requirement

Similar to other butterfly bushes, the yellow butterfly bush (Buddleja globosa) prefers full sun. It will also tolerate partial shade, but it may not bloom as profusely in these conditions. The bush should be planted in well-drained soil and given occasional watering during extended dry periods. It is generally pest and disease free, although it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for the yellow butterfly bush is warm and sunny. This plant does not tolerate cold or shady conditions well. If the temperature gets too cold, the plant may die. If the temperature is too hot, the plant may become stressed and produce fewer flowers.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and the plant will become dormant. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will rot and the plant will die.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does not require much. In fact, too much fertilizer can harm the plant. A general-purpose fertilizer that is low in nitrogen can be used. It is best applied in early spring and then again in mid-summer. As for watering, the root system of this plant is not very deep. Therefore, it does not need a lot of water. Watering once a week should be sufficient.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your yellow butterfly bush (Buddleja) is important to keeping the plant healthy and looking its best. You'll want to prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Butterfly bushes can be pruned quite aggressively, so don't be afraid to cut back the stems by a third or even half. This will encourage new growth and produce more flowers.

The Propagation

Propagation The yellow butterfly bush can be propagated by taking softwood or hardwood cuttings. To take softwood cuttings, cut a stem that is about 6 inches long from a new growth. Cut just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in moistened potting mix. To take hardwood cuttings, cut a stem that is about 6 inches long from a mature plant. Cut just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in moistened potting mix.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be quite fast. Under the right conditions, they can even be considered to be invasive. When given the right environment and care, however, they can make for beautiful and aromatic additions to any garden.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root and stem rot, as well as caterpillar infestation. To prevent these issues, it is important to plant the bush in well-drained soil and to keep the caterpillars off the leaves.

List to Know

  • Remember to water your plants regularly, especially during the hotter months.
  • Place your plants in an area where they will receive plenty of sunlight.
  • Fertilize your plants regularly to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need.
  • Yellow butterfly bush plants can become quite large, so make sure you have enough space for them to grow.
  • Prune your plants regularly to encourage new growth and prevent them from getting too leggy.
  • These plants can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so be sure to keep an eye out for any problems.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, you will need to protect your plants from the cold weather.
  • Yellow butterfly bush plants can be propagate via cuttings or seed.
  • These plants make great additions to butterfly gardens.
  • Enjoy watching the beautiful butterflies that are attracted to your yellow butterfly bush plants!

Alternative Plants

  • Butterfly Plant.
  • Orange Butterfly Plant.
  • Yellow Butterfly Plant.
  • Red Butterfly Plant.
  • White Butterfly Plant.
  • Purple Butterfly Plant.
  • Blue Butterfly Plant.
  • Green Butterfly Plant.
  • Pink Butterfly Plant.
  • Brown Butterfly Plant.

Source:
Senna bicapsularis (Butterfly Bush, Christmas Bush, Money Bush ...
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia (Buddleja) davidii) - uaex.uada.edu
Butterfly Bush | Mississippi State University Extension Service

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