butterfly bush
Buddleja davidii 'Attraction'
Overview
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Attraction') is a popular and attractive summer flowering shrub. It's well known for its attractive flower spikes in a range of vibrant colours. It's sensory appeal doesn't end there though - it's butterfly attracting power is almost legendary. It's an incredibly easy to care for bush, needs little maintenance and is drought tolerant added bonus. It has great ornamental value in gardens and landscapes for that burst of colour and life with its beautiful arching branches that provide structure. It can easily fit into a native or exotic garden. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii ‘Attraction’) is a must have for gardeners and nature lovers alike.
Care Guide
Watering
The butterfly bush should be watered twice a week, or when the top inch of soil becomes dry. During hotter weather, make sure to water deeply every few days to keep the plant's soil damp. When watering, make sure to avoid wetting the leaves as this could lead to fungal diseases. If you are using an irrigation system, it should be set to run for 20 minutes every 3 days. While the bush doesn't need an excessive amount of water, make sure it gets enough to keep its soil consistently moist. By giving it enough water, the bush will be able to develop strong, healthy roots.
Light
Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii 'Attraction') needs at least 6 hours of sunlight each day for best flowering. This plant should receive full sun in the morning through to early afternoon, although it can tolerate some shade. This means that it should be placed where it will receive direct sunlight for 6 hours or longer each day. During the hottest parts of the year in some climates, it may be beneficial to provide some shade during the afternoon in order to avoid wilting and sunburn.
Soil
Well-drained
Temperature
Hardiness zone 5–9.
Pruning
Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii 'Attraction') should generally be pruned in late winter or early spring, when the plant is still dormant. Pruning will help control the size and shape of the plant, encourage bushier growth, and promote a flush of new growth and blooms. To maintain a compact, natural shape, prune the plant lightly, removing just a few inches of the longer wood and up to 1-third of shrub's entire height. Prune selectively instead of shearing for a more natural look. To promote more blooms, remove the entire flowering stems once the first set of blooms has faded. Be sure to sterilize pruning tools between cuts to prevent the spread of bacteria or diseases.
Propagation
Seed Propagation, Greenwood Cuttings, Hardwood Cuttings, Layering Propagation
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Hummingbirds, Butterflies.
Diseases & Pests
Common pests: Dieback, Fungal leaf spot, Mites, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Drought resistant .
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