Product Description
Buddleia 'Lilac Cascade' PPAF (30)ct Flat
Cascade Collection
Common Name: Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac
Just like the others of the Cascade series, the habit of this Butterfly Bush has panicles that cascade downward like a waterfall. 12-18" huge, puffy panicles of pale lilac flowers. The size of the flowers match that of 'Grand Cascade', but with a lighter shade of purple and shorter stature. Perfect as a centerpiece in your garden. Through 4 years of monitoring for sterility we have not observed seed set - a stand out trait among Buddleia.
Butterfly Bushes have certainly earned their place in the garden over the years, and its easy to see why. Just when we need a breath of fresh air in the late summer heat, they happily burst into bloom. At a time when many other plants are already spent, buddleias are just beginning their show. Their passive coloring and texture makes a wonderful backdrop for perennials, and you'll love the butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds that flock to their honey-scented blossoms.
Buddleias should be planted in a full sun location with fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Studies have shown that adding lime to the soil will result in increased growth and better floral quality. They are also moderately drought tolerant once established.
Since they frequently die all the way back to the ground in northern winters, it is best to cut back all of the old wood to about 12" in the spring. Doing so will result in more compact plants. They will quickly grow back to their normal height by fall and will flower just as prolifically in late summer since they bloom on new wood. You may notice that the flowers tend to be longer and deeper colored in cooler weather.
Buddleias tend to break dormancy late in the spring, so don't worry if you don't see anything happening with them when your other shrubs start to leaf-out. These are very durable and reliable plants.
Height: 5.0-5.5 Feet
Spread: 6 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 5,6,7,8,9,10
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer to Early Fall
Long Blooming
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Rapid
Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant Flowers, Specimen, Focal Point
Buddleia 'Lilac Cascade' is a beautiful and fragrant flowering shrub that is a favorite among gardeners and pollinators alike. It is a standout selection for its cascading flower panicles, long blooming season, and ability to attract butterflies. Here is a closer look at what makes it special:
Appearance:
- Flowers: 'Lilac Cascade' features large, cascading panicles of pale lilac flowers that bloom profusely from mid-summer to fall. The flower panicles can reach up to 18 inches long, creating a dramatic and eye-catching display. The flowers also have a sweet, honey-like fragrance that attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
- Foliage: The plant has lance-shaped, dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the vibrant flowers.
Growing Conditions:
- Light: Thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal flowering and a more robust growth habit.
- Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils. Amending heavy clay or sandy soils with organic matter improves drainage and overall plant performance.
- Water: Prefers consistent moisture, especially during the establishment period. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance.
Characteristics:
- Mature Size: Reaches a height of 4-6 feet with a similar spread, forming a graceful, weeping habit.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5-9, making it a versatile choice for various climates.
- Bloom Time: Blooms continuously from mid-summer to fall, providing a long-lasting display of color and fragrance.
- Growth Habit: Forms a graceful, weeping habit with arching branches that cascade under the weight of the flower panicles.
Why it is Popular:
- Cascading Flowers: The long, cascading flower panicles create a unique and dramatic display that sets 'Lilac Cascade' apart from other Buddleia varieties.
- Long Blooming Season: Provides continuous color and fragrance throughout the summer and into fall, ensuring a vibrant display for an extended period.
- Attracts Pollinators: The fragrant flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: 'Lilac Cascade' is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Versatile: It can be used in various garden settings, including borders, cottage gardens, and even containers.
Uses:
- Borders: Adds vertical interest and vibrant color to garden borders.
- Cottage Gardens: Its informal and colorful blooms blend seamlessly into cottage garden settings.
- Specimen Plant: Its unique weeping habit and showy flowers make it an excellent choice for a specimen planting.
- Butterfly Gardens: A must-have for butterfly gardens, providing a valuable source of nectar for butterflies and other pollinators.
Additional Information:
- 'Lilac Cascade' is part of the Cascade series of Buddleia, known for their cascading flower panicles and long blooming periods.
- Deadheading spent flowers can encourage additional blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
- Pruning in early spring can help maintain the desired shape and size and promote vigorous growth.
- It is generally deer and rabbit resistant, making it a good choice for gardens where these animals are a problem.
Overall, Buddleia 'Lilac Cascade' is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a beautiful, fragrant, and pollinator-friendly flowering shrub. Its unique weeping habit, long blooming season, and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any garden, bringing joy and beauty throughout the summer and fall months.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3in deep x 2in wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
