Golden Glow Butterfly Bush Buddleja × weyeriana 'Golden Glow'
ABOUT
Golden Glow is a distinctive and attractive plant known for its unique flowering attributes. This cultivar is especially noted for its spherical clusters of brightly colored flowers which bloom in a warm, yellow hue. The flowers provide a rich contrast against the foliage, which is often a lush, grey-green color. The leaves are lance-shaped with a slightly serrated edge, creating a textured effect that adds to the plant's rich tapestry of color and form. The flowers are borne on arching branches that create a cascading effect, especially when the plant is in full bloom. Each individual flower within the clusters forms a small, tubular shape that is attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making the plant a lively and bustling center of activity in the garden throughout its blooming period. Golden Glow exhibits a generous blooming habit, often producing an abundant floral display that can last from mid-summer into the fall. This extended blooming season adds long-term visual interest to any planting area. The appealing contrast between the bright flowers and the soft, greyish-green of the foliage provides a striking visual that is both eye-catching and serene. Overall, the plant's appearance is characterized by a harmonious blend of vibrant color and graceful form, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of golden glow to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae.
Synonyms
Golden Glow Butterfly Bush, Weyeriana Golden Glow.
Common names
Buddleja × weyeriana 'Golden Glow'.
ToxicityTo humans
Butterfly Bush is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting any part of the plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild irritation or discomfort if ingested.
To pets
Butterfly Bush is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed as a toxic plant to animals such as dogs and cats by leading pet health organizations. However, ingestion of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets. If your pet has consumed a large amount of the plant and is displaying symptoms, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Buddleia 'Golden Glow' is well-known for attracting butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Visual Interest: With its vibrant golden-yellow flowers, this plant adds a splash of color to any landscape or garden setting.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it's quite drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering and making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Easy Propagation: Buddleia 'Golden Glow' can be easily propagated from cuttings, enabling gardeners to expand their garden without extra cost.
- Rapid Growth: It has a fast growth rate, allowing for quick establishment and filling in of garden spaces.
- Scented Flowers: The plant produces fragrant blossoms that can add a pleasant aroma to your garden environment.
- Landscape Versatility: Suitable for mixed borders, foundation plantings, and as a focal point in landscape design.
- Long Blooming Period: It has an extended blooming time from mid-summer to early autumn, providing long-term visual appeal.
- Wildlife Habitat: Buddleia 'Golden Glow' provides shelter and food for birds, adding to the biodiversity of the garden.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal pruning and care, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- High Adaptability: Able to thrive in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-drained.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Buddleia 'Golden Glow' can serve as a natural dye source. The flowers may be used to produce a range of natural dyes for fabrics or art projects.
- This plant's dense foliage can offer privacy screening in gardens. Strategic planting can help create secluded areas or can be used as a natural barrier.
- Buddleia 'Golden Glow' has been used in crafting butterfly-themed jewelry. Dehydrated flowers are sometimes encased in resin to create pendants and earrings.
- The wood from Buddleia 'Golden Glow' can be used for making small woodworking projects such as picture frames or jewelry boxes where the wood's grain can be showcased.
- Flowers from the Buddleia 'Golden Glow' can be used in potpourri mixes. They can add a gentle fragrance as well as a splash of color to custom blends.
- Certain parts of the Buddleia 'Golden Glow', such as branches, can be used for creating rustic garden stakes or supports for other plants in the garden.
- Buddleia 'Golden Glow' can be used in educational settings as a tool to demonstrate the process of pollination and to attract pollinators for observation.
- Dried Buddleia 'Golden Glow' flowers can be incorporated into handmade paper, giving it texture and visual appeal when crafting greeting cards or bookmarks.
- Photographers and artists may utilize Buddleia 'Golden Glow' as a perfect natural backdrop or subject for practicing macro photography and botanical illustrations.
- The structural form of Buddleia 'Golden Glow' can inspire landscaping designs. Landscape architects may use its growth habit to inform the shapes and flow of garden layouts.
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, known commonly as the Butterfly Bush, symbolizes change and transformation, much like the butterflies it attracts undergo metamorphosis.
- Attraction - With its bright flowers and sweet nectar, the Butterfly Bush is associated with allure and the ability to attract others, whether it be people, opportunities, or positive energies.
- Rebirth - As it is a plant that attracts butterflies, it is often seen as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings, resonating with the life cycle of the butterfly.
- Resilience - The Butterfly Bush is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, symbolizing resilience in the face of adversity.
- Beauty - With its 'Golden Glow' variety showcasing golden-yellow flowers, it also represents beauty and the appreciation of it in the natural world.
- Consolation - In some cultures, the Butterfly Bush, due to its association with butterflies, can symbolize the soul and thus offers a sense of consolation in times of loss or grief.
WaterWhen caring for Golden Glow Butterfly Bush, it's important to provide deep watering to encourage a strong root system, especially during its first growing season. Water it thoroughly once every week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot or dry periods, you might need to increase watering frequency to twice a week. Generally, use about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant for each watering session, depending on the soil and climate conditions. Reduce watering in the fall to prepare the plant for winter.
LightGolden Glow Butterfly Bush thrives in full sun conditions, which means it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is an open area where it can receive abundant sunshine throughout the day. It will tolerate partial shade, but flowering is more prolific when the plant is exposed to full sun.
TemperatureThe Golden Glow Butterfly Bush is hardy and adapts well to a range of temperatures. It can withstand temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and can tolerate summer heat well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, maintain a temperature between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
PruningPruning Golden Glow Butterfly Bush encourages new growth and more abundant blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or damaged branches and reducing the plant’s size by about one-third. This annual pruning will maintain an attractive shape and robust health. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season can also promote continued flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilButterfly Bush 'Golden Glow' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). A mixture of garden soil, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite encourages strong root growth and improves drainage, which is crucial for this plant's health.
RepottingButterfly Bush 'Golden Glow' typically does not require frequent repotting, as it is often grown as a large shrub in the landscape. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years or when the plant appears to be outgrowing its current pot.
Humidity & MistingButterfly Bush 'Golden Glow' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. It grows well in the ambient outdoor humidity common in most temperate regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and ample space.
Outdoor
Full sun, protect from strong winds, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleBuddleja × weyeriana 'Golden Glow', commonly known as Golden Glow Butterfly Bush, starts its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in suitable conditions, develops into a seedling. As the seedling grows, it establishes a root system and sprouts leaves, entering the vegetative growth stage where it focuses on increasing in size and mass. Upon maturity, the plant begins to flower, typically in the warmer months, producing characteristic yellow to orange blossoms that attract butterflies and other pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small capsules that contain seeds, completing the reproductive stage. As a perennial, Golden Glow Butterfly Bush then undergoes a period of dormancy in colder seasons, with foliage dying back and the plant conserving energy in its root system. Upon the return of favorable conditions, the plant emerges from dormancy, initiating a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Buddleja × weyeriana 'Golden Glow', also known as Butterfly Bush, is commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is most effective when carried out in late summer. For semi-hardwood cuttings, one should select healthy, disease-free stems that have begun to mature and harden but are not yet fully woody. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, with lower leaves removed and the cut made just below a leaf node. The base of the cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting before being placed in a well-draining potting mix. The pot should then be kept moist and in a warm, humid environment until roots have developed, which can typically take several weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
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