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Buddleja is a genus of deciduous or semievergreen shrubs and trees belonging to the Loganiaceae or Logania Family. There are more than 100 species of the genus native to the tropical and temperate sones of North, Central and South America, as well as Asia and South Aftica. Most species will grow from 5 to 10 ft. high and are winter hardy only to zone 7. Buddleia davidii and B. alternifolia are two species originally from China that are hardy through Zone 6 if a layer of mulch is provided in autumn. Both have the purple-lavendar colored flowers which bloom from midsummer until the first frost in autumn or early winter. Butterfly Bush thrives best in rich well-drained soil and full sun.
Buddleja davidii is the best known of all the Butterfly Bush species. It survives most winters in zone 6, sends up shoots of lavendar-lilac flowers about one ft. long and attracts butterflies during the midsummer through autumn season. There are several varieties with varying colors and sizes of flowers.
The image above is of Buddleja davidii, Butterfly Bush, Summer-lilac, and was photographed in Bernheim Forest, Kentucky on July 4, 1999.
Winter hardy from zones 6 - 9.
© 1999 Michael King
