Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii Masquerade = 'Notbud' (v)
ABOUT
The Buddleja davidii Masquerade, commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, is notable for its vibrant appearance which appeals to gardeners and butterfly enthusiasts alike. The plant boasts dense clusters of flowers that exhibit a gradient of color, typically starting with a creamy base that graduates into a vivid magenta at the tips. These conical flower spikes are especially attractive to butterflies, which are drawn to their sweet nectar. The foliage of the Butterfly Bush is comprised of elongated leaves with a pointed tip and a slightly serrated edge, presenting a lush backdrop to the bright flowers. The leaves exhibit a grey-green color which provides a subtle contrast to the exuberant blossoms. Overall, the Butterfly Bush's vivid coloring and continuous blooming make it a favorite for adding a splash of color to gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae.
Synonyms
Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac, Orange Eye.
Common names
Buddleja davidii 'Masquerade', Buddleia davidii 'Masquerade'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Buddleja davidii is the butterfly bush. Generally, the butterfly bush is not considered toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation or reports of significant poisoning from ingestion of this plant. However, as with many plants, individual allergic reactions or irritation is possible, and it is not advisable to ingest any part of ornamental plants as a general precaution.
To pets
The butterfly bush is also the common name for Buddleja davidii when referring to pets. This plant is similarly not known for being toxic to dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. Poisoning from ingestion is rare, and significant toxicity is not widely reported. Nevertheless, caution is advised when allowing pets to graze or chew on ornamental plants, as even non-toxic plants can cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten in large amounts.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Buddleja davidii, commonly known as Butterfly Bush, is known for attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity in gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Low Maintenance: Being a hardy and resilient plant, Butterfly Bush generally requires minimal care and is suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Butterfly Bush has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with low water availability.
- Fast Growth: Butterfly Bush is recognized for its rapid growth, quickly filling spaces in the landscape and providing a lush appearance.
- Long Blooming Period: Butterfly Bush flowers for an extended period from early summer to autumn, providing a long-lasting display of color and interest in the garden.
- Ornamental Value: With its masses of colorful blooms, the Butterfly Bush offers high ornamental value and can act as a focal point or complementary plant in garden designs.
- Erosion Control: The plant's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil loss.
- Privacy Screen: Because of its size and density, Butterfly Bush can be used as a living screen or hedge to provide privacy and reduce wind in outdoor spaces.
- Variety of Uses: The Butterfly Bush is versatile and can be planted in borders, as a standalone specimen, or in large containers, offering flexibility in landscape design.
- Seasonal Interest: With the ability to provide color and structure throughout the growing season, the Butterfly Bush adds significant seasonal interest to any garden.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Buddleja davidii, commonly known as Butterfly Bush, can be used as an indicator plant for honeybee populations due to its attractiveness to bees; if few bees visit, it might indicate a problem with the bee population in an area.
- The dense growth of Butterfly Bush can provide shelter and habitat for small wildlife, such as birds and beneficial insects seeking a safe haven from predators and harsh weather conditions.
- The wood of the Butterfly Bush is suitable for small woodworking projects or for creating specialized garden structures like trellises, especially when young branches are harvested and allowed to dry.
- With its ability to grow on disturbed sites, Butterfly Bush can be used for erosion control, stabilizing soil in areas prone to landslides or heavy rainfall.
- Butterfly Bush branches can be woven into living fences or screens, which can be both ornamental and functional in dividing garden spaces and providing privacy.
- The long flowering season of the Butterfly Bush provides a steady supply of cut flowers for arrangements, adding colour and fragrance to indoor spaces.
- The Butterfly Bush can be used in sensory gardens, where the sweetly scented flowers contribute to a multi-sensory experience aimed at relaxation and therapy.
- In artistic landscaping, Butterfly Bush can be shaped into topiary forms, offering a creative medium for garden sculpting and topiary art due to its malleable branches and foliage.
- The silver foliage varieties of Butterfly Bush can be planted in moon gardens, where they reflect moonlight and provide a luminous effect during the night.
- Dried Butterfly Bush flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, contributing a pleasant aroma and adding an element of natural decoration to a room.
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- Renewal and Rebirth: Buddleja davidii, commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, is a symbol of renewal and rebirth due to its ability to attract butterflies, which are often associated with transformation and new beginnings.
- Attraction: As the common name suggests, the Butterfly Bush is known for its strong attraction to butterflies, symbolizing the power to attract and hold attention, much like its magnetic pull on wildlife.
- Immortality: In some cultures, butterflies are seen as symbols of the soul and immortality, and by extension, the Butterfly Bush may carry a symbolic connection to these concepts as it draws these creatures to its blooms.
- Hope: The vibrant and lively presence of butterflies around the Butterfly Bush can signify hope and the presence of beauty in life, as well as the idea that change can lead to good outcomes.
- Welcoming: The Butterfly Bush is often planted to create welcoming gardens for butterflies and other pollinators, and thus symbolizes hospitality and a friendly environment.
WaterThe Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Masquerade') should be watered deeply approximately once a week, providing the plant with about 1 gallon of water per session during the growing season. Adjust frequency to account for rainfall, and in times of drought, water twice a week. During winter, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture. Always check the soil moisture before watering; it should be moist but not waterlogged. Young plants need more frequent watering until they are established.
LightThe Butterfly Bush thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting in an unobstructed area that faces south will ensure it gets ample light. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from the intense sun.
TemperatureButterfly Bushes are hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range, typically from 20° to 100°F. The ideal temperature for growing a healthy Butterfly Bush falls between 60° and 80°F, as this promotes vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Ensure that the plant is well-mulched to protect its roots from extreme temperatures.
PruningPrune the Butterfly Bush in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back the entire plant to about a foot from the ground to promote a more compact shape and vigorous flowering. Prune annually as these plants bloom on new wood.
CleaningAs needed
SoilButterfly Bush thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and peat or sand to improve drainage is ideal for Buddleja davidii 'Notbud'.
RepottingButterfly Bushes, including Buddleja davidii 'Notbud', generally do not need frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years, or when they outgrow their current container.
Humidity & MistingButterly Bush is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but does well in average ambient humidity without the need for special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light; prune regularly to manage size.
Outdoor
Full sun, sheltered spot, well-draining soil, hard prune in spring.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleBuddleja davidii, commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in warm spring conditions after experiencing a period of cold stratification, which simulates winter and induces dormancy break. Upon germination, the seedling grows rapidly, taking advantage of the lengthening days and warm temperatures, and establishes itself as a young plant with a robust root system. Within one to two years, the Butterfly Bush reaches maturity and starts to flower, typically during the summer months, producing panicles of vibrant blooms that attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. After pollination, the flowers develop into small capsules containing numerous seeds that are dispersed by wind or with the help of animals later in the year. If conditions are unfavorable, the plant can enter a state of dormancy, conserving energy until the next growing season. This perennial shrub can regenerate from its roots season after season, provided it is not in a region where it is considered invasive and subjected to control measures.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Buddleja davidii, commonly known as Butterfly Bush, can be propagated most effectively through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in the late spring or early summer when new growth is soft and pliable. To propagate, a gardener should select a healthy stem with new growth and cut a segment of about 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) in length. It's crucial to make the cut just below a leaf node, as this is where the rooting hormone can be most effective. The lower leaves are then stripped off, and the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. This prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the leaf nodes where the leaves were removed are buried. The pot should be kept moist and in a warm place with indirect light until the cutting has rooted, which can take several weeks.
![Butterfly bush [Berries and Cream]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b650f667be.png&w=640&q=75)
![Butterfly bush [Adonis Blue]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b56e58f983.png&w=640&q=75)
