Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii 'Gulliver' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Buddleja davidii 'Gulliver', commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, is a striking deciduous shrub with an appearance that attracts both garden enthusiasts and butterflies alike. This variety showcases long, conical clusters of flowers that exhibit a rich and vibrant coloration, typically ranging from deep purples to shades of lilac or sometimes featuring a mix of blue tones. The individual blossoms are small and tubular, tightly packed together to form the impressive and eye-catching flower spikes. The leaves of the Butterfly Bush are slender and elongated with a pointed tip and a slightly toothed edge, exhibiting a lush green hue that provides a beautiful contrast to the colorful flowers. The foliage is arranged opposite each other along the stems, creating a neat and orderly appearance. Additionally, the texture of the leaves is generally soft, which adds to the overall tactile quality of the plant. With an elegant and arching growth habit, the Butterfly Bush produces an abundance of branches that bear the delightful flower clusters at their tips, giving the plant a bountiful and luxuriant look during its blooming period. The blooms are not only visually appealing but are also fragrant, attracting a variety of pollinators, particularly butterflies, hence its common name. Overall, the Buddleja davidii 'Gulliver' is distinguished by its showy floral displays, graceful foliage, and pleasing fragrance, contributing to its popularity as an ornamental plant in gardens. It's a plant that can bring life and color to any landscape, becoming a focal point when in full bloom and creating a lively habitat for wildlife.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac, Orange Eye
Common names
Buddleja davidii 'Gulliver' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Gulliver') is not known to be toxic to humans. This plant, like others in the Buddleja genus, is primarily grown for ornamental purposes and attractiveness to butterflies, not for human consumption. However, as with many plants, it is always advisable to exercise care and not ingest parts of ornamental plants since they are not intended for human consumption, and there can always be individual allergic reactions or irritation upon handling or ingestion.
To pets
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Gulliver') is not considered highly toxic to pets. It is mainly grown as an ornamental garden plant and does not have a widespread reputation for being poisonous to animals. However, it is still recommended that pets are discouraged from eating any part of the plant. If a pet does consume Butterfly Bush, it could potentially experience mild gastrointestinal upset due to the unusual nature of the plant material, but significant toxicity is not commonly reported in pets. If your pet shows symptoms of distress after ingesting any part of the plant, it would be wise to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife 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
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Buddleja davidii 'Gulliver' is known for attracting butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Ornamental Appeal: With its large, conical clusters of purple flowers, this butterfly bush adds aesthetic value to any landscape.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: It is relatively drought resistant once established, which can be beneficial in areas with water restrictions or low rainfall.
- Fast Growing: This plant grows quickly, allowing for a faster landscape impact and filling in garden spaces.
- Adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Long Blooming Period: The butterfly bush has a long flowering season, generally from early summer to autumn, providing lasting color in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Material: The wood of the Butterfly Bush can be dried and used in the creation of artistic crafts and sculptures, providing a unique medium for artists.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The flowers of Butterfly Bush can be used to produce natural dyes for fabric, offering hues of purple or blue depending on the mordant used.
- Photography Subject: Due to its vibrant flowers and frequent butterfly visitors, Butterfly Bush is a popular subject for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
- Garden Themed Events: Butterfly Bushes can be used as living decorations for garden parties or outdoor events, providing both aesthetics and attracting butterflies.
- Butterfly Gardens: Specifically cultivated in butterfly gardens, the Butterfly Bush provides nectar for a variety of butterflies, making it integral in establishing butterfly habitats.
- Teaching Tool: Often used in schools and educational programs, Butterfly Bush helps teach students about plant growth, pollination, and the role of butterflies in ecosystems.
- Privacy Screening: When planted in rows or clusters, Butterfly Bush can create a quick-growing, living privacy screen for residential gardens or patios.
- Habitat Restoration: In controlled conditions, Butterfly Bush can be used in habitat restoration projects to provide immediate floral resources for pollinators.
- Erosion Control: The root system of Butterfly Bush can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes or banks in landscaped areas.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried Butterfly Bush flowers can be used in floral arrangements, adding color and interest to bouquets or indoor decorations.
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: The Buddleja davidii, commonly known as Butterfly Bush, is known for its ability to attract butterflies, which are often associated with transformation and renewal due to their life cycle.
- Hope: The lush growth and vibrant flowers of the Butterfly Bush can symbolize hope and the belief that something good is on the horizon.
- Encouragement: As this plant is a magnet for pollinators like butterflies, it represents encouragement and support for the thriving of others.
- Rebirth: The way the Butterfly Bush returns robustly after winter can signify rebirth or a fresh start.
WaterButterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Gulliver') should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure the root system is well hydrated. In the growing season, water the plant once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. During hot, dry spells, you might need to water twice a week. Reduce watering frequency to once every two to three weeks in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Always check the soil moisture before watering; the top inch should be dry to the touch.
LightButterfly Bush thrives in full sun, which means it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Place it in an area of your garden that receives unfiltered sun for the majority of the day for optimal growth and flowering. Avoid heavily shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming and a leggy plant structure.
TemperatureButterfly Bush is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, generally from 20 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for the plant is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive brief periods of colder frost down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may die back to the ground in zones below 5 where the temperature can drop even lower.
PruningPruning Butterfly Bush is necessary to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and promote more abundant flowering. It should be done annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Cut back the entire plant to about one foot above ground level to encourage a bushy habit and plenty of blooms for the upcoming season. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the growing season can also encourage further blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilButterfly bush (Buddleja davidii 'Gulliver') thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A suitable soil mix can consist of equal parts garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite to enhance drainage. Regular mulching can help to retain moisture and improve soil conditions over time.
RepottingButterfly bush generally does not need frequent repotting and can be done every 2 to 3 years. When the plant has outgrown its current pot or when the soil is exhausted, repotting is advised, preferably in the spring.
Humidity & MistingButterfly bush is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require high humidity. Average ambient humidity found outdoors is generally sufficient for this plant's growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area, ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleBuddleja davidii 'Gulliver,' commonly known as the Butterfly Bush 'Gulliver,' begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires a warm, sunny location and well-draining soil. After sprouting, the seedling goes through a phase of vegetative growth where leaves and stems develop rapidly in the growing season. The plant then reaches maturity and enters the flowering stage, usually in its second year, producing large panicles of fragrant, purple flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators throughout the summer and into the fall. After pollination, the flowers produce small capsules of seeds that disperse to propagate the next generation. During the winter, the Butterfly Bush 'Gulliver' may die back, especially in colder climates, but it is a deciduous perennial and will regrow from its rootstock once the weather warms. Some management may be required, as this plant can be invasive, and pruning after flowering can help control its size and encourage more prolific blooming in the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Buddleja davidii 'Gulliver', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method of propagation is most popular during the summer months when the plant is actively growing, and the current year's growth has partially matureed but is not yet fully woody. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would take a stem cutting about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, ensuring that a few leaves are left at the top. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is planted in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and placed in a warm area with indirect light until roots have developed, after which it can be planted in its permanent location.
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