Scientific Name: Buddleja davidii

Planting : Plant them in soil that drains well to prevent waterlogging and root rot. If you have clay soil, avoid amending it before planting as this can cause drainage problems. Instead, plant directly into the natural soil and create a small hill around the base of the plant to encourage water to drain away from it.

Sun preference : Butterfly bushes require a minimum of 8 hours of bright sunlight per day. In warm climates, they need at least 6 hours of sun. Plant them in a location where they will receive ample sunlight. Drought tolerant.

Plant Type : Perennial plants are those that live for more than two years, with the butterfly bush being a woody flowering perennial. In the context of gardening and horticulture, perennials are plants that regrow every spring from their rootstock. They typically have a shorter blooming period compared to annuals but return year after year, making them a popular choice for many gardeners due to their longevity and ability to provide consistent beauty in the garden.

Appearance:  Deciduous to semi-evergreen ornamental shrub with a weeping form. Bears honey scented flowers that is a nectar source for many species of butterfly. Leaves are opposite, pale-gray, with toothed or wavy margins. Flowers are grouped in a cluster at the branch tips and bloom from mid-summer to autumn. Flowers can be purple, pink, lilac, or white, with yellow to orange centres.

Harvesting : To harvest a butterfly bush, you should wait until the flowers have fully bloomed and are at their peak. The best time to harvest is typically in the morning when the dew has dried but before the heat of the day causes the flowers to lose their freshness. 

Vase Life : Cut each stem just above a set of leaves or buds to encourage new growth. Collect your cut stems in a basket or container, being gentle to avoid damaging the delicate flowers. Place your harvested butterfly bush stems in a vase with fresh water immediately to keep them looking fresh for 4-5days.

Special Features : Loved by pollinators including butterflies, bees, and birds. More hardy to cold temperatures compared to other varieties. Long blooming with a sweet honey scent. drought-tolerant.

Design features: With their lovely weeping flowers I love using these as line or filler flowers. They can also be used as textural base flowers