Otherwise known as the ‘butterfly bush’, buddleia (Buddleja) is one of the best nectar shrubs you can plant for butterflies. It attracts a wide variety of species, including red admiral, peacock and small tortoiseshell. The Buddleja davidii, Buddleja x weyeriana and Buddleja globosa varieties are the best options.
Which butterfly bush is not invasive?
‘Flutterby Pink’ Butterfly Bush
It produces pink blooms continuously from summer until frost. It rarely re-seeds, so it’s non-invasive.
Which is the most fragrant Buddleia?
Buddleia salviifolia is said to have the best fragrance of all, smelling like Chanel perfume. The common garden species are long-day plants and flower in the summer. Flowering starts in July and lasts until first frost, but most of the buddleia hybrids produce their best floral show in early summer.
Which is the fastest growing Buddleia?
Buddleja davidii (butterfly bush)
This fantastically fast-growing deciduous shrub, which is brilliant for adding masses of colour, scent and wildlife to your garden. The classic Buddleja bears long cones of purple flowers in summer that bees and butterflies love.
Which is the best Buddleia for butterflies? – Related Questions
Should Buddleia be cut back every year?
Buddleja alternifolia should be pruned as it finishes flowering in midsummer. Cut back all the stems that have flowered to healthy buds, to produce flowering wood for the following season. Buddleja globosa should be pruned just to maintain a good shape or remove dead and damaged shoots.
Are Buddleia roots invasive?
Buddleia (Buddleja davidii) is an invasive plant that is found throughout the United Kingdom, often seen growing alongside railway lines, urban wasteland and road verges.
Can you plant buddleia close to House?
Buddleia can cause structural damage if it gets a foothold within pavements, chimneys and the smallest cracks and crevices of buildings. Once this happens, the roots of the Buddleia plant have the strength to force buildings apart, creating a gateway for water into the property.
What happens if you don’t prune buddleia?
Varieties of Buddleja davidii can become very tatty if not properly pruned. If you leave buddleja unpruned, the only thing you see at eye level is a twiggy tangle of bare stems, with the blooms held at the tips of the stems, way above head height. They will also grow very large.
Where is the best place to plant a buddleia?
They perform best when planted in full sun (or at least in partial shade) and in fertile, well-drained soil. Dependent on the variety, plant around 5 to 10 feet apart for a gorgeous display. Plant Buddleia in Spring or in Autumn before the first frosts and water thoroughly after planting.
Should I deadhead buddleia?
Grow buddleia in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Deadhead flowers to encourage more to form and cut back hard in late spring to prevent the shrub from becoming too big.
Is buddleia poisonous to dogs?
Is Buddleja davidii poisonous? Buddleja davidii has no toxic effects reported.
What can I plant next to buddleia?
A border of Asters is an unforgettable spectacle in the fall. Combine them with glowing Chinese Lanterns (Physalis franchetii) and Butterfly Bushes (Buddleja davidii) and you will enjoy a delightful color show which will enlighten your garden for weeks, from late until frost.
Do hummingbirds like Buddleia?
Buddleia also known as Buddleja or Butterfly Bush
These fast-growing shrubs bloom all summer and fall and are one of the easiest ways to attract lots of butterflies and hummingbirds.
Do monarchs like Buddleia?
While butterfly bushes will provide attractive nectar for adult butterflies (including monarchs), no species of butterfly in North America can use buddleias as food for their caterpillars (the butterfly’s larval stage).
Should I put mulch around my butterfly bush?
Avoid mulching directly around your butterfly bush. Mulch is a great idea for other species of plants, but in clay soil, it can hold too much moisture. Go ahead and mulch your beds, but give your butterfly bush a bit of clearance, and never mulch all the way up to the main stems.
How do I winterize my butterfly bush?
The best solution in cold climates is to put a light layer of mulch over the roots but instead of applying it all the way up to the main stem like you would on other plants, taper off the thickness so that the few inches immediately surrounding the center of the plant are bare and free of mulch.
Do mosquitoes like butterfly bushes?
The scientists chose the butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) for their experiment because it’s a very hardy plant that flowers throughout the year, and mosquitoes are attracted to it.
What is the best time of year to plant a butterfly bush?
Planting: Plant butterfly bushes in early spring or fall. If planting in midsummer in hot climates, be sure to provide plenty of water and even some afternoon shade.