Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii 'Harlequin' (v)
ABOUT
The Buddleja davidii 'Harlequin', commonly known as the Harlequin Butterfly Bush, is a striking ornamental shrub. Its most distinctive feature is the foliage, which is variegated with deep green and creamy white margins. This creates a striking contrast that is visually appealing even when the plant is not in bloom. During the flowering season, the Harlequin Butterfly Bush produces long, conical clusters of flowers that are rich in nectar, attracting butterflies and other pollinators to the garden. The flowers are typically a vibrant shade of purple or magenta, which stands out beautifully against the variegated leaves. The blooms are comprised of many tiny florets, each contributing to the dense and showy flower spikes that are characteristic of butterfly bushes. Aside from its colorful leaves and flowers, the plant tends to have an arching habit with branches that can create a fountain-like appearance. The stems and branches are sturdy, supporting the weight of the flowers. As a cultivar of the Butterfly Bush, it carries the same allure for wildlife and is often planted as a feature in gardens designed to attract and sustain pollinators. Overall, the Harlequin Butterfly Bush is known for its dual-tone leaves and vibrant blooms which provide a long season of interest in the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Harlequin Butterfly Bush, Harlequin Summer Lilac
Common names
Buddleja davidii 'Harlequin'
ToxicityTo humans
Butterfly bush is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant is unlikely to cause severe poisoning. However, sensitivity to the plant can vary, and it's possible that some individuals might experience mild stomach upset if they ingest parts of the plant.
To pets
Butterfly bush is also generally regarded as non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause any significant adverse reactions if pets ingest parts of the plant. However, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and mild gastrointestinal upset cannot be entirely ruled out.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
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 'Harlequin' is known for attracting butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, which help pollinate the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant features colorful and variegated foliage along with vibrant flowers, enhancing the visual interest of any garden space.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Harlequin' has good drought resistance, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for water-wise landscaping.
- Easy to Grow: It is recognized for being easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance, which is ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Fast Growing: As a fast-growing shrub, it can quickly provide sizeable impact in the garden or as part of a landscape design project.
- Adaptability: 'Harlequin' is adaptable to a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil, making it versatile for different garden conditions.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in summer and continues into the fall, providing a long season of interest with its flowers.
- Privacy and Screening: Due to its size and growth habit, 'Harlequin' can serve as a privacy screen or windbreak when planted in rows.
- Pruning Tolerance: The plant tolerates heavy pruning, allowing gardeners to control its size and shape to fit their landscape design needs.
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 'Harlequin' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving a range of hues from greens to yellows depending on the mordant used.
- The flowers of the butterfly bush can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for their pleasant fragrance and colorful appearance.
- The wood of the butterfly bush is sometimes used in small woodworking projects due to its fine grain and workability.
- Harvested branches can be used in floral arrangements as they offer a colorful and lasting backdrop to various flowers.
- Butterfly bush foliage can be used as a natural mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture in garden beds.
- Leaves of the butterfly bush can be included in a compost heap as a source of green matter to help balance carbon-rich materials.
- Dried butterfly bush stems can be turned into rustic craft items, such as garden trellises or decorative wreaths.
- Butterfly bush sap, in small quantities, has been traditionally used as a base for homemade adhesives.
- The plant's dense growth habit provides excellent habitat and shelter for wildlife, particularly beneficial insects.
- Butterfly bush branches can be used as natural stakes in the garden to support other plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiButterfly Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityButterfly Bush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Buddleja davidii 'Harlequin', also known as Butterfly Bush, often symbolizes renewal because it attracts butterflies which are emblematic of transformation and new beginnings.
- Attraction: This plant is known for its ability to attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, hence symbolizing magnetism and the power to attract positive elements into one's life.
- Healing: With its traditional use in some cultures for healing purposes, the Butterfly Bush is often associated with health and restoration.
WaterFor the Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Harlequin'), it is essential to maintain a consistent watering schedule to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. Water the plant thoroughly once a week with approximately one to two gallons per session, depending on the size of the plant and environmental conditions. During hot, dry periods, it may require more frequent watering. In winter, reduce the frequency to every two to three weeks, ensuring the soil doesn't dry out completely. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again.
LightThe Butterfly Bush thrives in full sunlight and should be placed in a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter regions. Ensure the plant is situated in an area with good light exposure to promote healthy growth and abundant blooming.
TemperatureButterfly Bushes are hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from 20 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, although they perform best when temperatures consistently remain between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive light frosts but are best protected or brought indoors in regions where the temperature drops below the hardiness zone's minimum.
PruningPruning the Butterfly Bush is vital for maintaining its shape, encouraging new growth, and enhancing flower production. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Cut back the previous year's growth to about one foot from the ground to promote a bushier plant with more flowers. Additionally, remove any dead or diseased wood as needed to keep the plant healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Butterfly Bush 'Harlequin' should be well-draining, fertile, and lightly moist with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. An ideal mix would contain a blend of loam, sand, and compost to provide nutrients and good drainage.
RepottingButterfly Bush 'Harlequin' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot, ensuring room for continued growth without becoming root-bound.
Humidity & MistingButterfly Bush 'Harlequin' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and thrives well in the ambient outdoor humidity typical of most temperate regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure ample space.
Outdoor
Full sun, shelter from strong winds, prune in spring.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Buddleja davidii 'Harlequin', commonly known as the Harlequin Butterfly Bush, begins with germination, where the seeds sprout when exposed to the right conditions of warmth and moisture. It rapidly progresses to the seedling stage, where initial leaves and a root system develop. As the plant enters the vegetative growth phase, it produces distinctive variegated leaves and begins to establish a more robust root system. The Harlequin Butterfly Bush then reaches maturity and enters the flowering stage usually during summer, showcasing clusters of fragrant flowers attractive to butterflies and bees. After pollination, the flowers produce small seeds that are typically dispersed by wind, allowing the plant to reproduce and continue its life cycle. The Harlequin Butterfly Bush is a perennial, so it can survive through multiple seasons, with winter dieback followed by regrowth from the base in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For the Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Harlequin'), the most popular method of propagation is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in late summer when the plant's growth starts to slow and the stems are neither too soft nor too woody. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long, and it's best to remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting is then planted in a pot with well-drained soil, and kept in a warm area with indirect light and consistent moisture. With proper care, roots should begin to form in a few weeks. Once the plants have rooted and begun to grow, they can be transplanted into the garden or a larger pot for further development.
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