Butterfly bush

Profile

Family

Buddleiaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

3 m

Spread

4 m

Growth

very fast

Lifespan

35 years

First yield

after 3 years

Hardiness

zone 5–8

Shade tolerance

full sun

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

very dry – very moist

pH

5.5 – 8.5

Synonyms

B. variabilis.

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Medicinal: A plant with mild toxicity is utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to treat liver and bronchial ailments and aid in wound healing. Its flowers possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. Extracts from the flowers produce essential oil and cream that offer anti-aging benefits, promote skin repair, and safeguard against collagen breakdown and UVA harm. Bach flower remedies derived from this plant may alleviate listlessness and irritability while enhancing joy and dignity. Smoking the plant can help restore balance. The leaves are appropriate for ointment dressings, and extracts are incorporated into skin creams.

Other uses: Flowers, leaves, and stems can range in color from black to green, while the blossoms range in color from orange-gold to brown. This plant is fragrant, attracts insects, and stabilizes soil.

Growing

Requires a sunny location. Thrives in fertile, well-drained soil. Highly tolerant of alkaline soils, air pollution, and coastal conditions. Flourishes in arid, nutrient-poor soils allowing for self-seeding. Hardy to approximately -15°C, regenerating from the base after cold spells. A visually appealing plant that readily crossbreeds with other genus members. Exhibiting various forms, numerous cultivars have been named for their aesthetic appeal. Emitting a musky fragrance reminiscent of heather honey. Blooms mainly on new growth, thus pruning heavily in spring promotes better flowering. A beneficial plant for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Propagation

Seeds - Cold stratify for 4 weeks at 4°C and plant them in a greenhouse in February/March. Germination typically occurs within 3-4 weeks at 21°C. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough and keep them in the greenhouse for at least the first winter before transferring them to their permanent location in late spring or early summer, after the final expected frosts. Seedlings have a tendency to die back, so ensure they are watered gently and well-ventilated. Take cuttings from semi-mature wood in July/August in a cold frame, using short side shoots. High success rate. Take cuttings from mature wood of the current year's growth, 15-20 cm long, in October/November in a cold frame.

Notable

Special features: Thrives in dry, nutrient-poor soils; highly resilient to limescale, sea wind, air pollution, and pests. Easily hybridizes with other Buddleja species, producing blooms in various colors such as white, purple, pink, rose, and blue. It serves as a significant nectar source in late summer. The flowering panicles, when soaked in olive oil for a month, can be turned into a ready-made cream that can be applied to the skin daily before bedtime, resulting in increased elasticity and a velvety soft texture.

Origin & habitat

East Asia - China. Naturalized in a European country.

Open woodland, hedges, and thickets, often found near the sea and mostly on calcareous soils.