butterfly bush
Buddleja 'Lochinch'
Overview
The butterfly bush (Buddleja 'Lochinch') is a stunning flowering shrub, ideal for adding cheer and color to your garden. Growing up to 6 feet tall and wide, it produces vibrant panicles composed of numerous tiny fragrant flowers in shades of lavender, pink, and white. The flowers are irresistible to butterflies, who flock to its blossoms for their sweet nectar. Sun-loving and drought tolerant, this easy-care shrub blooms from summer to autumn, providing season-long interest, and is an excellent choice for cut or dried flower arrangements.
Care Guide
Watering
For best growth, the Butterfly Bush should be watered about once per week, or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water deeply until it begins to run through the drainage holes of the pot or the soil is saturated. After watering, allow the excess water to drain out of the pot before placing it back in its location. During the warmer months, you may need to water more frequently. Avoid leaving the soil continually saturated or overwatering, as this can lead to root rot or other plant problems.
Light
Butterfly bush (Buddleja 'Lochinch') requires full sun for best results – at least 6 hours a day of direct, unfiltered light. This can be achieved by planting in an area with a full day of direct sun or by supplementing the natural sunlight with a grow light. If plants are grown in less than full sun, they will not perform as well. In hot climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to avoid leaf scorch, but overall, the plants perform best when grown in bright and sunny spots.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 6–9.
Pruning
Pruning butterfly bush (Buddleja 'Lochinch') is important to maintain good form and promote more flowers. For optimum results, prune it twice a year - once in late winter or early spring and again in early summer. In late winter or early spring, prune more heavily by cutting back stems by 1-third to 1-half of their length. Make sure to remove any dead or damaged stems, as well as deadheading the flowers. In early summer, lightly snip back branch tips and cut out any stems that have become woody or crowded. This will help keep the plant bushy and attractive, with more blooms. Avoid pruning after early summer to ensure the plant has enough time to set new flower buds for the next season.
Propagation
Cutting, Layering Propagation, Division, Grafting Propagation, Seed Propagation
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Butterflies.
Related plants
Other plants you might like if you grow butterfly bush.
