Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii 'Blue Horizon'

Water

Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Blue Horizon') should be watered deeply to ensure the soil is moist but not saturated, generally receiving about 1 inch of water per week. This can be delivered in the form of rainfall or supplemental watering, with additional water during dry spells or hot weather. During the first growing season, it's crucial to maintain a consistent watering schedule to establish a strong root system. It's best to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and give the foliage time to dry out during the day, helping to prevent fungal diseases. Once established, Butterfly Bushes are quite drought tolerant and may require less frequent watering.

Light

Butterfly Bushes thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The 'Blue Horizon' performs best in a location that provides unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. It’s important to ensure that the planting spot isn't shaded by trees or buildings to maximize bloom production and plant health.

Temperature

Butterfly Bushes are hardy and adapt well to a range of temperatures, generally preferring to grow in conditions between 60°F and 90°F. However, they can tolerate temperatures down to around 20°F. For optimal growth and flowering, maintaining a temperature within the ideal range is beneficial, but 'Blue Horizon' will survive brief temperature spikes beyond these limits.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of the Butterfly Bush and for encouraging prolific flowering. Prune the 'Blue Horizon' in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back the previous year's growth to about a foot above the ground. This will rejuvenate the plant and stimulate the growth of new flowering shoots. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flower heads, can also be done regularly during the blooming season to promote continuous blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Blue Horizon') prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite aids in drainage. It thrives in a soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

The Butterfly Bush generally does not require frequent repotting and is often planted directly in the ground. If potted, repot every 2-3 years or when the plant appears root-bound.

Humidity & Misting

The Butterfly Bush is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations as long as it is planted outside in its natural environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full sun exposure and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, amend soil with compost, water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Buddleja davidii 'Blue Horizon', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when conditions are ideal, germinates and grows into a young seedling. The seedling then develops into a robust vegetative state, where it forms a woody structure and foliage. During spring and summer, it enters a flowering phase, producing numerous cone-shaped clusters of tiny, tubular blue flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small capsules containing seeds, which are dispersed by wind, allowing the plant to propagate. In autumn, the Butterfly Bush begins to enter dormancy, reducing growth as the weather cools. Finally, the plant may die back during winter, especially in colder climates, but it will typically resprout from its base once warm temperatures return in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Buddleja davidii 'Blue Horizon', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, is typically propagated during late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The most popular method of propagation is by semi-hardwood cuttings. To do this, take cuttings that are 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) long from the current year's growth, ensuring each cutting has at least a couple of nodes. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix or a mixture of peat and perlite, ensuring the nodes where the leaves were removed are buried. Then, place the container in a warm, brightly lit area out of direct sunlight and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions before being transplanted to their final location.