Buddleia, or butterfly bush, is a popular, fast-growing shrub known for its fragrant, cone-shaped flowers that attract pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with their nectar-rich blooms in summer. While valued for its vibrant colors (pinks, purples, whites, reds) and easy care in full sun, the most common species, Buddleja davidii, is invasive in many areas due to prolific self-seeding, making sterile cultivars the preferred choice for gardeners to avoid spreading.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: Arching stems, silvery-green foliage (often with a silver underside), and large, showy flower spikes (panicles).
Flowers: Mildly fragrant, appearing from summer to fall, with colors ranging from deep purple to pink, white, and yellow.
Attracts Pollinators: A magnet for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds due to its abundant nectar.
Growth: Vigorous, handling heat and drought well once established.
Care & Growing Conditions:
Sun: Requires full sun (6+ hours).
Soil: Needs well-draining soil; can tolerate clay but poor drainage is a common killer.
Water: Water during establishment and dry periods; mulching helps retain moisture.
Fertilizer: Doesn't need much in fertile soil; use a high-potash feed for poor soil or containers.