Buddleja davidii
Buddleja davidii
Common names: Summer lilac, Butterfly bush
Photo: --IKAl 15:22, 23 July 2007 (UTC) · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Buddleja davidii, commonly known as summer lilac or butterfly bush, is a semi‑evergreen shrub that produces long, pendant flower spikes from July to September. The spikes attract butterflies, bees, and bumblebees. The plant grows rapidly to 2–3 m tall and blooms on new growth each year. In Germany it is considered potentially invasive because its fine seeds disperse easily by wind and water, colonising gravel beds, railway embankments, and disturbed sites. To prevent self‑seeding, dead‑end flower spikes should be removed before seed set, and the plant should not be planted near protected natural areas. Cultivars such as ‘Black Knight’ and ‘Pink Delight’ offer additional colour variation.
Care instructions
Prune the shrub heavily each spring, ideally between the end of February and mid‑March (week 9–11), cutting to about one handbreadth above the old wood. This vigorous cutback promotes compact growth and abundant flowering, as the plant blooms only on new shoots. During the flowering season, regularly remove wilted spikes to extend bloom into autumn and prevent unwanted self‑seeding. The plant prefers full sun, a warm climate, and well‑drained soil. It tolerates drought once established. Water newly planted shrubs regularly during the first year; thereafter, watering is only necessary during prolonged dry periods.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, lean, dry, lime-loving
Feeding
Light feeder
Pruning
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