Beautiful Buddleias: Butterfly Favorites Then and Now

When Ron and I first moved to Watson, we were new to home ownership and the unending joys… I mean, responsibilities that come with new homes. We know nothing about interior design or home improvement, and have never mastered any do-it-yourself repairs (some might argue we never will). But with a growing fervor for gardening, we were certain that the two of us could build a stellar landscape. Like any ambitious new homeowners, we removed every last plant from the existing garden, and dreamt of ways we’d set our roots into the neighborhood. It didn’t wholly matter what we included in our flowerbeds, as long as we could attract butterflies. It seemed obvious though, that our fluttering haven would be substandard to say the least, without a few buddleias, the reigning queens of every ideal butterfly garden.

Buddleia is an ever-growing genus that consists of over 100 named species and cultivars to date. Commonly called summer lilac or butterfly bush, buddleias are often found anchoring perennial beds and borders, which is no wonder since their honey scented blossoms have long been favored by fritillaries and swallowtails alike.Named after the 17th century amateur botanist Reverend Adam Buddle, the first butterfly bush reached England in 1774. Though most of today’s buddleias spring from Chinese ancestry, the original shrub (Buddleia globosa) was found growing in Chile. It wasn’t until 1896 that the more popular (and not to mention hardy) species, Buddleia davidii arrived in London’s Kew Gardens. Nurseries continue to develop new cultivars of this garden stand-by – its ease of cultivation, sweet perfume, and attractive hues will no doubt make the buddleia a treasured favorite for years to come.

Known for their relaxed postures and tousled limbs, buddleias might not prove the best selection for formal gardens. But set them amid vibrant beds of lantana, Mexican heather and salvia, and the result is a liberal atmosphere of casual color mixed with comfortable style. Buddleias grow best in full sunlight and well drained soil. For an up-close affair with their nectar-loving friends, plant them in mixed containers on sun-soaked patios or in perennial borders near porches or paths. Averaging four to six feet in height, depending upon the cultivar, buddleias lazily stretch their silvery green limbs – sometimes velvety to the touch – both upward and outward in their amicable embrace of butterflies and sunshine. Though they drop their leaves in the winter, from late spring through summer, vivid cones of lavender, white, soft pink, yellow, purple, or cranberry lavishly dress the branches. Create a spectacular garden for butterflies and guests by integrating exciting varieties like ‘Black Knight’ buddleia, along with ‘Nanho Blue,’ Pink Delight,’ ‘Royal Red,’ ‘White Profusion,’ and ‘Honeycomb.’

‘Black Knight’ buddleia, one of the hardiest cultivars of Buddleia davidii, reaches six to eight feet tall, and spreads nearly as wide with its lissome stems and medium green leaves. Rated by Boston’s Arnold Arboretum as the premier buddleia, ‘Black Knight’ remains unmatched with its inimitable blue-black flowers and tremendous resilience to heat, stress, and drought. From late spring through early fall, 10 inch trusses of intense violet hang in abundance, creating a seemingly unending supply of cut flowers for the home. Attractive not only to butterflies, ‘Black Knight’ buddleias entice also hummingbirds and bees with their fragrant showy blossoms. Because this variety is a bit aggressive in stature, it performs best when cut back once or twice during the growing season.

‘Nanho Blue,’ another outstanding cultivar of Buddleia davidii, and one of my personal favorites, is more compact in habit, making it perfect for small gardens and containers. Averaging four to five feet tall, its sprawling supple branches sport velvety, gray green leaves and profusions of cornflower blue panicles that hang in ecstasy from late spring through summer. Plant ‘Nanho Blue’ buddleias amid beds of ‘Landmark Rose Glow’ lantana, ‘Early Sunrise’ coreopsis, pineapple sage, and Salvia sinaloensis for an eye-catching display. Prune heavily each spring and remove spent blossoms so as to encourage longer blooming seasons.

Similar to ‘Nanho Blue,’ ‘Pink Delight’ buddleia is another compact version of the admired Buddleia davidii. It too grows four to six feet tall, but stands a bit more upright than its slumping cousin. From spring through summer, eight inch wands of cotton candy dramatically glow against arching silvery foliage. ‘Pink Delight’ looks exquisite near ‘Nanho Blue’ buddleias, ‘Lucky Yellow’ lantana, and vibrant clumps of Mexican heather.

Another excellent cultivar is ‘Royal Red,’ winner of Great Britain’s Royal Horticulture Society Award of Garden Merit. Most noted for its vigorous rate of growth and excessive founts of flowers, ‘Royal Red’ is a true show-stopper for butterfly gardens. Ten to 14 inch long clusters of magenta purple beautifully adorn willowy green stems that aggressively stretch toward the sky. ‘Royal Red’ stands six feet tall and entices butterflies and hummingbirds alike with its delectable honey-scented perfume and opulent wine-red hues. Heighten the intensity of ‘Royal Red’ buddleias by integrating them with ‘Goldstrum’ rudbeckia, purple fountain grass, and ‘Batface’ cuphea. ‘Blushing Butterflies’ gaura, Asclepias, and pineapple sage can also add to the performance.

‘White Profusion’ buddleias, like ‘Royal Red,’ also earned Great Britain’s Award of Garden Merit. Still the hardiest white buddleia, this phenomenal shrub is dripping with clear white blossoms from late spring through fall. Golden yellow eyes peek softly from the panicles, while the leaves’ smooth silver undersides gorgeously complement the masses of gleaming white. Plant ‘White Profusion’ butterfly bushes in accompaniment to ‘Black Knight’ buddleias, ‘Fireworks’ pennisetum, and ‘Lucky Yellow’ lantana. Include also ‘Lady Elsie May’ roses, ‘Irish Eyes’ rudbeckia, and purple coneflowers for a spectacular display.

Give your garden some extra sunshine with ‘Honeycomb’ buddleias, Chinese natives introduced by University of Georgia’s Mike Dirr. An exceptional cross between B. davidii and B. globosa, this outstanding hybrid (B. weyeriana) blooms incessantly through the growing season. The six-foot tall ‘Honeycomb’ is saturated with lemony yellow cones from spring through fall, each blossom amplified by radiant tangerine painted eyes. Like the other buddleias, ‘Honeycomb’ benefits from heavy late winter pruning; not only does this encourage fresh spring growth, but it insures stronger, healthier canes, as well as greater flower production.

If you are in search of dwarf buddleias that might better suit smaller landscapes, keep an eye out for the latest wave of butterfly bushes. The “English Butterfly Series,” developed by England’s Elizabeth Keep, is a line of cultivars that reaches three to four feet tall. These trim new varieties are excellent for pocket-sized beds and containers, and pack the same punch of color and nectar as their larger growing relatives. Though they may not be available at all garden centers this summer, the latest varieties include ‘Adonis Blue,’ ‘Peacock (pink),’ and ‘Purple Emperor.’

Whichever cultivar you choose, remember that buddleias look their best in beds bursting with color. Do away with garden formalities and attract the most wildlife by integrating a spectrum of hues. From lantana and verbena, to pentas, daisies, heather, and salvia, any and all of these vivacious perennials can keep your garden animated with life and sparkling with color all summer long. ✦