Every now and then I like to write about a plant that I feel is special enough to deserve its own chance in the spotlight. Recently, I wrote about plumbago, one of my all time favorites for its profuse blooms and great color. Another of my all-time favorites is buddleia, or Butterfly Bush. I’ve grown several from tiny cuttings to huge (over 10 feet tall), healthy, beautiful plants that bring so much wildlife to the garden it’s almost hard to believe. Butterflies I’ve never before seen in my area have appeared, and hummingbirds are regular visitors to the sweet-smelling flowers. The one in my front garden is constantly covered with happy little skipper butterflies (left) who are so enamored by the nectar that they don’t fly away even when I walk within inches of them. The blooms are wonderfully fragrant and are a joy to take in your hand and inhale the scent – just be careful, as the bees like it too. Butterfly bush comes in several shades, grows in zones 4 – 10, and can be found at most major nurseries or by mail order.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Great Garden Plant Spotlight: Butterfly Bush
Every now and then I like to write about a plant that I feel is special enough to deserve its own chance in the spotlight. Recently, I wrote about plumbago, one of my all time favorites for its profuse blooms and great color. Another of my all-time favorites is buddleia, or Butterfly Bush. I’ve grown several from tiny cuttings to huge (over 10 feet tall), healthy, beautiful plants that bring so much wildlife to the garden it’s almost hard to believe. Butterflies I’ve never before seen in my area have appeared, and hummingbirds are regular visitors to the sweet-smelling flowers. The one in my front garden is constantly covered with happy little skipper butterflies (left) who are so enamored by the nectar that they don’t fly away even when I walk within inches of them. The blooms are wonderfully fragrant and are a joy to take in your hand and inhale the scent – just be careful, as the bees like it too. Butterfly bush comes in several shades, grows in zones 4 – 10, and can be found at most major nurseries or by mail order.
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3 comments:
Do you cut your butterfly bush back in the fall? I read that I was supposed to do that but the one year I tried it, the bush did not return. I've noticed at our library where no one is tending it, it is thriving and I'm sure it was never cut back. How do you handle it?
I do cut it back in the fall to about 3 feet tall. I also mulch around the bottom very well. It probably would thrive if not cut back as well, but it gets huge so cutting it back is helpful for keeping the size in check. Perhaps something else damaged the plant that didn't return. I've found it to be a very reliable plant that can take almost anything. It is even considered invasive or a "weed" in some warmer climates. Give it another try (mulch around the bottom during winter) and see if it works. Good luck!
I just love the butterfly bush.. It propigates easily, attracts butterflies and grows so fast.. I have yellow, almost black and lavendar colors.. I would like to plant more.
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