Butterfly Bush Buddleja Berries and Cream = 'Pmoore14' (PBR)
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ABOUT
Buddleja Berries and Cream, also known as Butterfly Bush, is a strikingly ornamental shrub renowned for its distinctive appearance. It boasts a dense canopy of silver-green foliage, creating a lush backdrop for the remarkable flowers that characterize this plant. The leaves are elongated and softly pointed, exhibiting a fine texture that adds to the overall delicacy of the shrub. The most captivating feature of the Butterfly Bush is its blooms. The flowers are clustered in conical panicles, each panicle comprised of numerous tiny florets. What truly sets Buddleja Berries and Cream apart are the colors of these blossoms. The blooms display an enchanting gradient of hues, ranging from a deep, rich berry-purple at the base to a creamy white at the tips, thus giving the plant its 'Berries and Cream' moniker. This gradation creates a stunning two-tone effect that is both eye-catching and elegant. The blossoms exude a sweet fragrance that is irresistible to butterflies and bees, turning the shrub into a hub of activity in the garden. As the plant goes through its flowering phase, it continuously offers new blooms, providing a long-lasting display of color through the blooming season. The contrast between the soft blooms and the foliage, alongside the flurry of visiting pollinators, makes the Butterfly Bush a centerpiece in any garden setting, known for its exceptional beauty and its role as a magnet for wildlife.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac
Common names
Buddleja 'Pmoore14'
ToxicityTo humans
Information regarding the toxicity of Butterfly Bush (the common name of Buddleja Berries and Cream = 'Pmoore14' (PBR)) to humans is limited. Generally, Butterfly Bush is not known to be toxic to humans. However, like with many plants, individuals may have differing levels of sensitivity, and it's possible that some might experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction upon contact with the sap or ingestion of parts of the plant. It is always wise to exercise caution and keep plants away from small children who might ingest them. If any part of the plant is ingested and an adverse reaction occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.
To pets
Butterfly Bush, the common name for Buddleja Berries and Cream = 'Pmoore14' (PBR), is generally not considered highly toxic to pets. However, different animals may react differently to plants, and some might experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of the Butterfly Bush. Signs of poisoning could potentially include vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. If your pet consumes Butterfly Bush and seems unwell, it is best to consult a veterinarian to ensure their safety and health. It is always a good practice to monitor pets when introducing new plants into their environment.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: The Buddleja Berries and Cream produces blooms that are aesthetically pleasing, attracting garden enthusiasts and boosting landscape beauty.
- Wildlife Friendly: Its flowers attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is known to be easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep and is tolerant to a variety of conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: It can withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Fast Growth: The plant tends to grow quickly, providing rapid coverage or filling in garden spaces faster than slower-growing alternatives.
- Long Blooming Season: It features a long flowering period, offering visual interest in the garden for an extended time.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Buddleja Berries and Cream, also known as Butterfly Bush, can be used in floral arrangements to add a touch of whimsy and color with its conical flower clusters.
- Butterfly Bush's sturdy stems can be used in the construction of miniature fairy garden structures or as natural supports for climbing plants in container gardens.
- The dense foliage of the Butterfly Bush can create a natural privacy screen in small urban gardens, offering a quick-growing solution for hiding unsightly areas.
- Its long blooming season makes the Butterfly Bush an excellent choice for educational projects in schools, teaching children about plant growth cycles and pollinator attraction.
- In areas where traditional gardening space is limited, the fast-growing Butterfly Bush can be cultivated in large containers to create mobile green spaces on patios or balconies.
- The aromatic leaves of the Butterfly Bush can be used as a natural potpourri when dried, providing a light, pleasant fragrance in the home.
- Butterfly Bush can be used as a parent in plant hybridization projects by gardeners looking to create new Buddleja varieties with unique characteristics.
- Those practicing the art of bonsai may use this adaptable plant to create a Butterfly Bush bonsai, enjoying its flowers even on a miniature scale.
- The flowers of the Butterfly Bush can be pressed and included in handcrafted paper, imbuing the material with botanical elements and subtle color.
- An eco-friendly craft use for Butterfly Bush branches is in the creation of rustic wreaths and other decorative items for the home.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Butterfly Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Butterfly Bush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Transformation: The Buddleja is commonly known as the Butterfly Bush because it attracts butterflies, symbolizing change and transformation as the plant helps in the lifecycle of these insects.
- Renewal: With its ability to regrow and rejuvenate after being cut back, the Butterfly Bush can symbolize fresh starts and renewal.
- Attraction: Since the Butterfly Bush pulls in butterflies and other pollinators, it represents attraction and magnetism, both in nature and potentially in personal dynamics.
- Beauty: The lush flowers of the Butterfly Bush are commonly associated with beauty and grace, much like the butterflies it lures.
- Healing: In some traditions, parts of the Butterfly Bush are used for their healing properties, hence symbolizing restoration and health.
WaterButterfly Bush 'Berries and Cream' should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. A general rule of thumb is to provide about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. In hotter, dryer periods, you may need to water twice a week, especially for newly planted shrubs which require consistent moisture to establish roots. To water effectively, use a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system around the base of the plant, aiming for several gallons per session, depending on the size and maturity of the plant. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
LightButterfly Bush 'Berries and Cream' thrives in full sun, which means it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. Place the plant in a spot where it can receive plenty of sunshine throughout the day, avoiding shaded or partially shaded areas which might lead to reduced blooming and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureButterfly Bush 'Berries and Cream' grows best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 90°F. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 100°F, but for best performance, keeping it in the ideal range is advisable. It is important to protect the plant from frost, which can damage new growth in the spring.
PruningButterfly Bush 'Berries and Cream' should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to remove any dead or diseased wood and to maintain a desirable shape. Pruning encourages new growth, which leads to more flowers, as the plant blooms on new wood. Cut back the previous year's growth to about one-third, which typically means reducing the stems to about 12 to 24 inches from the ground.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBuddleia, commonly known as Butterfly Bush, thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loam, peat, and sand or perlite is ideal for proper drainage and nutrition. Mulching can help maintain moisture levels and regulate soil temperature.
RepottingButterfly Bush does not need frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2 to 3 years. They prefer to be slightly root-bound, so ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one.
Humidity & MistingButterfly Bush prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different conditions. It can tolerate the normal humidity levels found in most outdoor garden settings without the need for specific adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, minimal watering, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from severe frost.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleBuddleja 'Berries and Cream' begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in warm, moist soil conditions, a process that can be aided by stratification to break dormancy. Seedlings emerge and develop into young plants, typically involving the formation of a small rosette of leaves before the stem elongates. As a fast-growing plant, it enters the vegetative stage where it rapidly expands in size and produces a bushy structure with characteristic lance-shaped leaves. Upon reaching maturation, usually within a year, Buddleja 'Berries and Cream' starts the reproductive phase, blooming profusely with conical clusters of fragrant, nectar-rich flowers that attract pollinators and may transition in color from creamy white to deep magenta. After pollination, the plant sets seed which, after maturing, are dispersed to begin a new generation. The plant may die back in colder climates during winter, entering a period of dormancy, only to resprout in spring and repeat the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Buddleja 'Berries and Cream', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. The optimal time for taking cuttings is during late spring to early summer when new growth is vigorous yet pliable. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy shoot and cut a piece about 4-6 inches long, just below a node. Leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one node is beneath the surface. The pot or flat holding the cutting should be kept under a humidity dome or plastic to retain moisture and placed in a warm area with indirect light until roots establish, which typically takes a few weeks. Regular misting is essential to prevent the cuttings from drying out before they root.
