Common Name: Butterfly Bush

General Information

Buddleja davidii is a very variable deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub, usually with wide spreading branches and an open habit of growth; it can grow up to 4 metres tall[].
Often grown as an ornamental,where it is valued for its flowering display and the hordes of butterflies that this attracts. Tthe plant is also said to have medicinal properties and can be used to make a variety of dyes.
Budleja davidii is tolerant of a broad range of environmental conditions, capable of prolific seed production from a very early age, and grows rapidly. Often grown as an ornamental, it commonly escapes from cultivation and becomes naturalized. Whilst its full potential as a weed has yet to be realized, it is already considered problematic (i.e. out-competing native, agricultural, and forestry species) in northwestern and northeastern USA and Canada, throughout New Zealand, and in central Europe. Due to its popularity, nurseries continue to distribute plants capable of setting seed. Garden residents as well as escapees serve as satellites, which then spread the species on to disturbed and wild lands and this is a cause for concern[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - central and southern China.

Habitat

Thickets on mountain slopes, side of draws in mountains; at elevations from 800 - 3,000 metres[]. Waste places, often on brick walls in Britain[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees, Lepidoptera
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Buddleja davidii is hardy, tolerating occasional temperatures down to about -15°c[]. Plants will often resprout from the base if cut back by cold weather[].
Requires a sunny position[, ]. Prefers a rich loamy well-drained soil[, ]. Very tolerant of alkaline soils, atmospheric pollution and maritime exposure[]. Grows best on dry soils of low fertility, where it can seed itself freely[]. Succeeds in soils with a pH ranging from 6 - 8.9[].
A very ornamental and fast-growing plant[, ], it hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.
A polymorphic species, there are many named varieties, developed for their ornamental value[].
The flowers emit a musk-like fragrance like heather honey[].
Plants flower mainly on the current years growth so a hard pruning in spring will encourage better flowering[].
An excellent plant for bees and butterflies[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant has medicinal uses[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant quickly invades disturbed areas and creates conditions suitable for trees to grow. It is also able to grow in very poor soils and dry conditions. It therefore makes an excellent pioneer and soil reclamation plant for restoring soils and native woodland. However, it should only be used for these purposes within its native range because of its ability to escape from cultivation and invade native habitats[].

Other Uses

Black or green dyes can be obtained from the flowers, leaves and stems combined[].
An orange-gold to brown dye can be obtained from the flowers[].

Propagation

Seed - cold stratify for 4 weeks at 4°c[] and surface sow the seed in late winter/early spring in a greenhouse[, ]. Germination usually takes place within 3 - 4 weeks at 21°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Seedlings are inclined to damp off and so should be watered with care and kept well-ventilated[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[, ]. Use short side-shoots[]. Very high percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 20cm long, autumn in a frame[].