Buddleja / Butterfly Bushes

Plant family

Braunwurzgewächse (Scrophulariaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Dry

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Plant distance

150 cm

Row spacing

150 cm

Seeding depth

0Not specified

Instructions

Description

Summer lilac belongs to the family of brownroot (Scrophlariacae). It usually grows shrubby, rarely tree-like, and can grow up to 4 m tall. There are about 100 species. The summer lilac is not related to the true lilac (Syringa). The flowers are white, light pink, pinkish red, and purple to dark purple, and it is grown as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Insect-friendly. Neophyte/invasive species (sterile varieties also exist).

Growing tips

Germination after 1-2 weeks at 20-25°C. Prune back hard in spring (February, March). Good in full sun perennial and summer flower beds. Propagate by self-sowing or by cuttings or wood cuttings. Some varieties are sensitive to frost and should be protected in winter, e.g. with fleece. Also grow plants in the garden that provide food for butterfly caterpillars, as butterfly bushes only provide nectar for butterflies. E.G: Purple loosestrife, common valerian, common waterbush, stinging nettle or broom.