The Butterfly Magnet

Buddleia, commonly known as the butterfly bush, is a beloved shrub among gardeners for its vibrant colors and ability to attract a multitude of butterflies. This comprehensive guide delves into the unique characteristics of Buddleia, explores its native habitat and potential invasiveness, provides landscaping tips, and offers essential planting and care instructions for gardeners.

What Makes Buddleia So Special? Buddleia is a deciduous shrub that boasts long, arching branches adorned with conical clusters of fragrant blossoms. These flowers bloom in a wide array of colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow, creating a captivating display in any garden. The intoxicating, honey-like scent of the flowers further enhances its appeal, drawing in pollinators and gardening enthusiasts alike.

One of the remarkable aspects of Buddleia is its low-maintenance nature. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal fertilization, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Buddleia also plays a vital role in supporting local ecosystems by attracting a wide variety of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The plant's nectar-rich flowers provide a crucial food source for these pollinators, while the pollinators, in turn, aid in the plant's reproduction. This symbiotic relationship highlights the ecological importance of Buddleia in supporting biodiversity.

Description and Details The name "Buddleia" honors the Reverend Adam Buddle, an English botanist. Buddleia typically grows to a height of 5 to 12 feet with a spread of 8 to 10 feet. It is a deciduous perennial shrub with arching stems and belongs to the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). The flowers come in a multitude of colors, ranging from white to pink to red to purple.

The most common species is Buddleja davidii, also known as the Summer Lilac. This species is known for its strikingly large flower panicles and the wide variety of available colors. Buddleja davidii is a hermaphrodite, meaning its flowers have both male and female parts. Other notable species include:

• Buddleja alternifolia: Known as the "alternate-leaved" Butterfly Bush, this species features unique weeping branches and lilac-colored blossoms.
• Buddleja globosa: Also known as the Orange Ball tree, this species is characterized by its globe-shaped clusters of tiny tubular blossoms in distinctive orange or yellow hues.

Breeding Programs Ongoing breeding efforts are focused on developing new and improved Buddleia varieties. Dr. Dennis Werner of North Carolina State University leads a breeding program that concentrates on novel leaf color, flower color, and dwarf habit. His program prioritizes sterility, true red flower color, and better yellows and oranges. Dr. Werner's releases, such as 'Blue Chip' and 'Miss Ruby', have garnered recognition for their unique characteristics and non-invasive nature.

Dr. Mike Dirr (retired) of the University of Georgia conducted a Buddleia evaluation program that focused on attractive garden hybrids and spider mite resistance. His program released the popular hybrid cultivar 'Honeycomb', known for its yellow flowers, and the unique 'Bicolor' with its two-toned flowers.

Native Habitat While Buddleia thrives in gardens worldwide, it is not native to North America. The genus originated in southern Africa and spread to Asia and the Americas, evolving into over 140 species as it migrated. Buddleja davidii, the most commonly cultivated species, is native to China and Japan. In its natural habitat, Buddleia is found in thickets on mountain slopes, limestone outcrops, forest clearings, and rocky stream banks.

Potential Invasiveness While Buddleia offers numerous benefits to gardeners and pollinators, it is crucial to be aware of its potential invasiveness. Buddleja davidii, in particular, is known to spread aggressively in certain regions. Its seeds are easily dispersed by wind and water, and the plant can outcompete native vegetation, disrupting local ecosystems.

The invasiveness of Buddleia raises concerns about its impact on butterfly populations. Although the plant attracts butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers, it does not provide food for butterfly larvae. Native caterpillars cannot feed on Buddleia leaves, and the plant's spread can displace native host plants that caterpillars require. This can disrupt the natural food web and ultimately harm butterfly populations.

To address these concerns, breeding programs are focusing on developing sterile or less invasive Buddleia varieties. The Oregon Department of Agriculture, which initially prohibited the sale of all Buddleia varieties, has amended its ruling to permit approved, seedless cultivars. Gardeners can also take steps to minimize the risk of invasiveness:

• Choose sterile varieties: Opt for cultivars that produce fewer viable seeds.
• Deadhead regularly: Remove spent flower spikes to prevent seed dispersal.
• Dispose of cuttings properly: Burn or compost cuttings to prevent them from sprouting.
• Monitor for seedlings: Remove any volunteer bushes that emerge in unwanted areas.

Landscaping Design Tips Buddleia's versatility makes it a valuable addition to various garden designs. Here are some landscaping tips for incorporating Buddleia into your garden:

• Mixed Borders: Buddleia's tall, arching form and vibrant flowers create a stunning backdrop for lower-growing perennials and annuals in mixed borders.
• Fragrant Gardens: Combine Buddleia with other fragrant plants like roses, lavender, and jasmine to create a sensory-rich garden space.
• Butterfly Gardens: Plant Buddleia alongside other nectar-rich flowers such as coneflowers, milkweed, and lavender to create a haven for butterflies and other pollinators. To support the complete life cycle of butterflies, include native host plants that provide food for caterpillars.
• Hedges: Use larger Buddleia varieties to create informal hedges or privacy screens.
• Containers: Dwarf varieties can add a splash of color to container plantings on patios or balconies.

When designing with Buddleia, consider the following:

• Mature Size: Choose a location with adequate space for the plant's growth, as Buddleia can reach a significant size.
• Seasonal Interest: Plant Buddleia among spring and early-summer bloomers to maintain a continuous stream of color in your garden.
• Placement: Plant near patios or gathering areas to enjoy the butterflies and hummingbirds that Buddleia attracts.