Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii Buzz Ivory = 'Tobudivory' (PBR) (Buzz Series)

Water

The Butterfly Bush requires moderate watering, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. It's best to water this plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which could be about once a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Provide the plant with 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each watering session, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage strong root development. During the winter months, reduce watering because the plant's water needs decrease in cooler temperatures and with less sunlight. Always ensure that the Butterfly Bush is planted in well-draining soil to prevent root rot from excessive moisture.

Light

The Butterfly Bush thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It's important to place it in a position where it can get unfiltered sunshine throughout the day for optimal growth and flowering. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is the best spot, or if planting outside, choose an open area with minimal shade interference.

Temperature

The Butterfly Bush prefers a temperate climate and can endure temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, though it may die back to the ground in such cold. Ideal growing temperatures for the Butterfly Bush range from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure the plant is positioned where it can avoid the harsh winter conditions or provide winter protection if temperatures dip below the minimum threshold.

Pruning

Pruning the Butterfly Bush is important to encourage new growth and more vigorous blooming. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the previous year's growth to 12 to 24 inches from the ground to promote a bushier plant with abundant flowers. Additionally, deadhead spent blooms periodically throughout the growing season to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Butterfly Bush thrives in well-drained soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure. A balanced soil mix that holds moisture yet drains well is ideal. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Butterfly Bush should be repotted every 2-3 years to replenish nutrients and expand root space. It's best to repot in the early spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Butterfly Bush tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate conditions. It performs well in typical outdoor humidity levels without the need for special attention.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full sun, well-drained soil, and occasional pruning.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, water deeply, and protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Buddleja davidii Buzz Ivory, commonly known as Butterfly Bush, begins its life cycle when a seed, after dispersal and when conditions are right, germinates in well-drained soil, typically in early spring. The seedling then develops into a young plant, producing a rosette of leaves and, upon reaching maturity, a woody stem that enables it to grow into a shrub. Throughout the growing season, the Butterfly Bush enters a vegetative stage characterized by the growth of leaves and branches, followed by a flowering stage in late summer where it produces abundant ivory-colored, fragrant blooms that attract butterflies and other pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which will be dispersed by wind or animals, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. With the approach of autumn and cooler temperatures, the Butterfly Bush enters a period of dormancy, shedding leaves and ceasing active growth above ground while the roots remain viable. The plant will remain dormant through winter, resuming growth and repeating this cycle when temperatures rise in the spring, assuming it is a perennial in the given climate.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Propogation: The Butterfly Bush 'Buzz Ivory' is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer. During this period, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a length of about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then stripped off and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth, though this is not always necessary. The cutting is then planted in a moist, well-draining potting mix and placed in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight, with a plastic bag or cover to retain humidity. Roots generally develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can gradually be acclimatized to normal conditions and eventually planted out.