Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii Camberwell Beauty = 'Camkeep' (English Butterfly Series)

👤 Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Non-toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
butterfly bush [Camberwell Beauty]

ABOUT

Buddleja davidii, commonly known as the butterfly bush, is a plant celebrated for its ability to attract butterflies with its abundant and vibrant blossoms. The particular variety 'Camberwell Beauty' has a remarkable appearance, characterized by its arching branches that hold aloft conical clusters of flowers. These flowers are a striking feature, presenting a mesmerizing display of deep purples or rich lilac hues, often with an eye-catching orange eye at the center of each individual floret. The foliage of the butterfly bush 'Camberwell Beauty' contrasts beautifully with its blossoms, comprising opposite, lance-shaped leaves that are green in color, sometimes with a silvery underside that adds a soft texture to the plant's overall look. The leaves can create a lush backdrop for the luminous floral spikes that typically bloom during the warmer months. As the name suggests, the English Butterfly Series to which 'Camberwell Beauty' belongs is designed to be particularly appealing to butterflies, and as such, the plant often serves as a lively hub of activity in any garden. Its flowers produce an abundance of nectar that is irresistible to these enchanting insects. The overall aesthetic of the butterfly bush is one of relaxed charm, with its relaxed growth habit and profusion of colorful blooms that sway gently in the breeze, evoking a sense of a cottage garden filled with life and natural beauty.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Buddlejaceae.

    • Synonyms

      Summer Lilac, Butterfly Bush, Orange Eye.

    • Common names

      Buddleja davidii var. nanhoensis, Buddleja davidii var. superba, Buddleja davidii var. veitchiana, Buddleja davidii var. wilsonii.

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      The Buddleja, also known as the Butterfly Bush, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant because it is not generally considered poisonous. Ingesting parts of the Butterfly Bush typically does not lead to serious consequences for humans. However, like with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild reactions, and it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants.

    • To pets

      The Buddleja, commonly referred to as the Butterfly Bush, is not considered highly toxic to pets. However, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Typical symptoms associated with the ingestion might include vomiting or diarrhea but are not expected to be severe. No serious long-term consequences are commonly reported for pets that have ingested parts of the Butterfly Bush. Nonetheless, it is always recommended to prevent pets from consuming plants that are not meant for their consumption, as individual reactions can vary.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Purple

    • Height

      6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)

    • Spread

      4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)

    • Plant type

      Shrub

    • Hardiness zones

      5-9

    • Native area

      China

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Attracts butterflies and other pollinators: Buddleja davidii is known for attracting a wide variety of butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.
    • Easy to grow: The plant is hardy and adaptable, often thriving in a variety of soil conditions and climates.
    • Fast growth: It grows relatively quickly, providing a mature look to garden spaces in a short amount of time.
    • Low maintenance: Once established, Buddleja davidii requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
    • Drought tolerant: The plant can withstand periods of dryness once it's well-established, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
    • Ornamental Beauty: With its long, colorful flower panicles, it adds aesthetic beauty to any landscape.
    • Wildlife habitat: Provides food and shelter for wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
    • Privacy screen: It can be used as a natural screen or hedge, offering privacy and reducing noise when planted in rows.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Buddleja davidii 'Camkeep', commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, can be used in eco-friendly pest management, as it attracts predatory insects that help control garden pests.
    • The plant's dense growth habit can provide nesting sites for birds, offering them a safe haven in the garden.
    • Durable stems of the Butterfly Bush can be repurposed into rustic crafts or used as natural stakes for supporting other plants in the garden.
    • The fragrant flowers can be harvested and dried for use in potpourri, adding a pleasant aroma to indoor spaces.
    • Butterfly Bush's wood can be used in the creation of small woodworking projects, like carved spoons or ornaments.
    • The flowers can serve as a natural dye, imparting shades of purple and mauve to fabrics or yarns.
    • When pruned, the trimmings can be laid as a natural mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture in garden beds.
    • Its ability to quickly colonize open ground can be harnessed for soil stabilization and to prevent erosion on slopes or embankments.
    • The Butterfly Bush can be grown in large containers and used as a privacy screen on patios or balconies.
    • In photography or painting, the vibrant blossoms and visiting butterflies offer a dynamic and colorful subject for artistic projects.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Butterfly Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Butterfly Bush is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Transformation: Buddleja davidii, commonly known as the butterfly bush, often symbolizes change and transformation due to its attractiveness to butterflies which are emblematic of change through the process of metamorphosis.
    • Attraction: This plant represents attraction, drawing not only butterflies but also people to its vibrant presence in a garden, indicative of its magnetic beauty and sweet fragrance.
    • New Beginnings: The butterfly bush blooms prolifically and can regenerate from harsh pruning, symbolizing fresh starts and the resilience to begin anew.
    • Inspiration: With its affinity for butterflies, which are often seen as symbols of inspiration, the butterfly bush embodies the idea of stirring creativity and uplifting the spirit.
    • Peace: Known for its serene and pleasant appearance, the butterfly bush can represent peace and tranquility, making it ideal for contemplative garden spaces.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
5%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation
✂️️
Annually
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    Butterfly bushes like the Buddleja davidii 'Camkeep' should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season, this may equate to watering once or twice a week, depending on climate conditions. It's essential to provide a deep watering so that the water reaches the roots, using approximately 1 gallon for small to medium-sized plants. During the winter, reduce watering frequency to prevent waterlogging, especially when the plant is not actively growing. Ensure the plant has well-drained soil to avoid root rot.

  • sunLight

    Butterfly bushes, such as Buddleja davidii 'Camkeep', flourish in full sunlight which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is in an area where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. Avoid locations with excessive shade, as this can reduce blooming and lead to a leggy growth habit.

  • thermometerTemperature

    The butterfly bush, Buddleja davidii 'Camkeep', grows best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. They are generally cold-hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, and the plant may die back to the ground in the colder regions but regrow from the roots in the spring. During the hottest parts of the year, the plant will benefit from afternoon shade to protect it from extreme heat.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning butterfly bushes like Buddleja davidii 'Camkeep' encourages more blooms and maintains its shape. Prune in late winter or early spring since the plant blooms on new wood. Cut the plant back to about a foot above ground level to promote healthy and robust new growth. Pruning may need to be done annually for the best flowering and to prevent the shrub from becoming too large.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Butterfly Bush thrives best in well-draining soil enriched with compost and peat for acidity. It prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The ideal mix should include loamy garden soil, compost, and if needed, a bit of sand for improved drainage.

  • plantRepotting

    Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) does not require frequent repotting and typically only needs it every few years to refresh the soil or if it becomes pot-bound.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Butterfly Bush is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements, making it quite adaptable to different outdoor environments.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Use bright light, well-draining soil, and minimal water for indoor Butterfly Bush.

    • Outdoor

      Full sun, well-draining soil, and regular pruning suit Butterfly Bush best.

    • Hardiness zone

      5-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Buddleja davidii 'Camberwell Beauty' begins its life as a seed, which requires a period of cold stratification to germinate. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and establishes roots, with cotyledon leaves followed by true leaves different in shape. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a hardy woody stem and a bushy structure, with foliage growth being rapid. It reaches maturity and enters the reproductive stage, exhibiting prolific flowering usually during the summer, with panicles of purple or violet sweet-scented flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. Post-pollination, these flowers develop into small capsules containing seeds, which are dispersed by wind. As a perennial, it enters a period of dormancy during colder months, with above-ground parts dying back, to regrow in the following spring using energy reserves stored in its root system.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring-Early Summer

    • The most popular method of propagation for the Butterfly Bush is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer. Cut a piece of stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, ensuring it has several nodes and a few leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture and keep it moist but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a warm area with indirect sunlight and maintain a consistent temperature of around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Roots should begin to form within a few weeks, after which the plant can eventually be transplanted outdoors.

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