Buddleia or Buddleja davidii or Butterfly bush

The Buddleja davidii, commonly known as the butterfly bush, is a deciduous shrub native to central China and Japan. It’s widely cultivated for its ornamental value and its ability to attract butterflies.

Key characteristics:

• Growth habit: It’s a vigorous shrub with an arching habit, typically growing to 5-10 feet tall.
• Leaves: The leaves are lanceolate (shaped like a lance), 7-13 cm long, and tomentose (covered in dense hairs) when young.
• Flowers: The most striking feature is the abundant, fragrant, and colorful flowers. They are arranged in terminal panicles (clusters of flowers) that can be up to 20 cm long. The flowers are typically lilac to purple, but there are also varieties with white, pink, or orange flowers.
• Blooming period: The butterfly bush blooms from mid-summer to early fall, providing a nectar source for butterflies during a time when other flowers may be scarce.
• Attracts butterflies: The flowers are rich in nectar and have a sweet fragrance, making them highly attractive to butterflies. This is where the common name “butterfly bush” comes from.

Other names:

• Summer lilac
• Orange eye

Invasive potential:

While the butterfly bush is a beautiful and popular plant, it has become invasive in some regions, including parts of North America and Europe. Its prolific seed production and ability to colonize disturbed areas can displace native plants.

If you’re considering planting a butterfly bush, it’s important to choose non-invasive cultivars and to be mindful of its potential to spread. There are also many other native plants that can attract butterflies to your garden.