Butterfly Bush Buddleja × weyeriana 'Honeycomb'
ABOUT
The plant known as Honeycomb shows off a remarkable display with its distinctive golden-yellow flowers. These blooms are ball-shaped clusters that stand out vividly against the foliage. The flower clusters are quite fragrant, which makes them particularly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. The leaves of this plant possess a deep green hue, and have a lance-like shape, contributing to the dense, bushy appearance of the foliage. The rich green leaves provide a lush backdrop for the eye-catching flower clusters, enabling the golden-yellow blossoms to shine even more prominently. The flowers have a unique appearance compared to other flowering shrubs due to their color and sphere-like flower heads that persist throughout the bloom season, giving the plant a long-lasting visual appeal in the garden. Honeycomb is admired not only for its ornamental beauty but also for its ability to attract wildlife, making it a lively addition to any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Butterfly Bush, Golden Glow Buddleia, Honeycomb Butterfly Bush
Common names
Buddleja × weyeriana 'Honeycomb'
ToxicityTo humans
The Butterfly Bush (Buddleja × weyeriana 'Honeycomb') is not known to be toxic to humans. Most parts of the plant are not considered edible, but there is no widespread documentation of serious toxicity or poisoning from ingestion. However, it is always advisable to refrain from eating plants that are not commonly recognized as food, as individual allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset could occur.
To pets
The Butterfly Bush (Buddleja × weyeriana 'Honeycomb') is generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with the plant. Although it is not poisonous, it is still recommended to prevent pets from ingesting non-food plants as a precautionary measure to avoid possible stomach upset or an unlikely allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The 'Honeycomb' attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are essential for pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its beautiful yellow flowers, it adds a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for being low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a lengthy blooming season that extends through summer and fall, providing long-term visual interest.
- Fast Growing: It grows quickly, which can be advantageous for gardeners looking to establish a garden feature rapidly.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: The unique color and form of the Butterfly Bush can serve as inspiration for artists and photographers looking to capture the beauty of nature in their work.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used in educational settings to teach children about pollination and the importance of providing habitats for butterflies and other pollinators.
- Natural Dye: The flowers from the Butterfly Bush can be used to create natural dyes for textile or craft projects, offering a source of organic colorants.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for its culinary uses, the flowers can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts, adding a splash of color.
- Photography Backdrops: Butterfly Bushes can be strategically planted and used as living backdrops for outdoor portrait photography due to their lush and vibrant appearance.
- Garden Themed Parties: Branches of the Butterfly Bush can be used in decorations for garden-themed parties or events to add natural elements to the decor.
- Composting: The trimmings and leaves of the Butterfly Bush can be added to compost bins to enrich the compost with organic matter.
- Mood Enhancer: The pleasant fragrance of the Butterfly Bush can be used to improve the mood and atmosphere of outdoor living spaces.
- Homemade Potpourri: Dried Butterfly Bush flowers can be used to create homemade potpourri mixes, adding a natural and gentle aroma to a room.
- Creative Crafts: The branches and flowers of the Butterfly Bush can be used in crafting, such as in the creation of natural wreaths or other botanical art pieces.
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, commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, symbolizes change and transformation due to its ability to attract butterflies, which are often seen as a representation of change.
- Renewal: With its ability to vigorously grow back even after harsh pruning, the Butterfly Bush represents renewal and the ability to bounce back from challenges.
- Healing: Historically, some species of Buddleja were used in traditional medicine, which can translate into a symbolic meaning of healing and recovery.
- Attraction: Due to its sweet fragrance and nectar-rich flowers, the Butterfly Bush is associated with attraction and the power to draw in good influences and positive energies.
WaterButterfly Bush 'Honeycomb' should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. It's crucial to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. In periods of extreme heat or drought, you may need to water more frequently, monitoring the top few inches of soil for dryness. Always water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. During the winter, cut back on watering since the plant requires less moisture when dormant.
LightButterfly Bush 'Honeycomb' thrives in full sun, requiring a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to flourish and bloom abundantly. The ideal spot for this plant is in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day, though it can tolerate some light shade, particularly in hotter climates.
TemperatureButterfly Bush 'Honeycomb' prefers temperate climates and performs best when the temperature ranges from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may suffer damage if the temperature drops below this point. During the growing season, ensure that it's not exposed to prolonged temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit without adequate moisture.
PruningPruning Butterfly Bush 'Honeycomb' is essential to promote vigorous growth and abundant blooming. Prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back the previous year's growth to about a foot from the ground. This practice encourages new growth, as Butterfly Bush blooms on new wood. Pruning annually also helps maintain an attractive shape and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilButterfly Bush 'Honeycomb' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingButterfly Bush 'Honeycomb' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingButterfly Bush 'Honeycomb' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, ample airflow, and room to grow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich soil, ensure space, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleBuddleja × weyeriana 'Honeycomb', commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in spring when temperatures become conducive to growth. Following germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young bush, which may take a few weeks to months depending on conditions. The young plant will then enter a vegetative growth stage, characterized by the development of foliage and branching, preparing for the subsequent flowering stage. The flowering period occurs in summer, when 'Honeycomb' produces fragrant, yellow flowers that attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. After pollination, the plant may produce small brownish seed capsules if conditions are right. As a perennial, the Butterfly Bush will undergo a period of dormancy during the colder months, dying back to the ground in frost-prone areas, to regrow from its root system with the return of warmer weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Buddleja × weyeriana 'Honeycomb', commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, is typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The most popular method, taking semi-hardwood cuttings, is done in late summer when this material has matured. Cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length of stem that includes several leaf nodes. Strip away the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top to sustain the cutting. The cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth before being placed in a well-draining potting mixture. The cutting needs to be kept moist and is best placed in indirect sunlight. Roots usually develop in a few weeks, after which the new plant can eventually be transferred outdoors.
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