Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii Nanho Blue = 'Mongo'
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ABOUT
The Buddleja davidii Nanho Blue, commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, features an appealing aesthetic that is loved by many gardeners for its ability to attract butterflies. This plant is characterized by its graceful and arching branches that bear narrow leaves with a lush, green hue. The foliage provides a complementary backdrop to the plant's most striking feature, its flowers. The Butterfly Bush blooms with an abundance of small, tubular flowers. These blossoms are arranged in elongated clusters, known as panicles, that present a magnificent display. The flowers are of a captivating blue or violet hue, hence the name 'Nanho Blue.' They possess a sweet fragrance that is not only delightful to people but also serves to attract a wide variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. The overall form of the Butterfly Bush is rounded and dense, giving it a full and robust look. Branching from the ground up, it creates a bushy silhouette that is often used to enhance the aesthetics of gardens. Its ability to produce a profusion of flowers from early summer to fall makes it a popular choice for adding long-lasting color to outdoor spaces. The visual and aromatic qualities of the Butterfly Bush make it an alluring addition to landscapes where it can serve as a focal point or be integrated into mixed borders for a harmonious blend of texture and color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Nanho Blue Butterfly Bush, Blue Butterfly Bush, Blue Buddleia
Common names
Buddleja variabilis.
ToxicityTo humans
Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii Nanho Blue 'Mongo') is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual reactions can vary, and it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plant material not intended for consumption. If large quantities of the plant were ingested, there might be a risk of gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning because butterfly bush is not commonly recognized as a harmful plant to humans.
To pets
Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii Nanho Blue 'Mongo') is typically not listed as toxic to pets. However, cats and dogs may have different sensitivities compared to humans. While there is no significant evidence to suggest that the butterfly bush is highly toxic to dogs or cats, it is possible that ingestion of parts of the plant could lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, especially if consumed in large amounts. It's always a good practice to monitor pets around plants and discourage them from chewing on them.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Buddleia (also known as Butterfly Bush) is known for its ability to attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators like bees to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Buddleia is relatively drought-tolerant, which makes it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with less water availability.
- Fast Growth: The plant grows quickly, providing a rapid display of color and structure in the landscape.
- Colorful Blooms: Buddleia produces vivid blue-purple flowers that add a splash of color to garden settings.
- Long Blooming Period: The flowering season of Buddleia is long, often from early summer to the first frost, offering an extended period of visual interest.
- Easy to Propagate: Buddleia can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for different areas of their garden or to share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Attracting beneficial insects: Nanho Blue can be used to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pest populations in the garden.
- Dye production: The flowers of the Nanho Blue can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, yielding shades of green and yellow depending on the mordant used.
- Crafts: Dried Nanho Blue flowers can be incorporated into craft projects, such as homemade potpourri, wreaths, or decorative arrangements.
- Photography: Due to its eye-catching blooms, Nanho Blue serves as a picturesque subject for photographers, especially those specializing in garden and nature photography.
- Educational tool: Botany enthusiasts can use Nanho Blue as a case study to learn more about plant growth, pollination, and the lifecycle of perennial shrubs.
- Butterfly gardens: Nanho Blue is excellent for creating a dedicated butterfly garden or a waystation to support monarch migration.
- Privacy screening: When planted in groups, the shrub can act as an informal privacy screen or windbreak in the garden.
- Theme gardens: Nanho Blue can be used as a part of thematic garden designs, such as a purple or blue color-themed garden.
- Soil stabilization: Nanho Blue's root system can help to prevent soil erosion on slopes or areas prone to soil degradation.
- Beekeeping support: The shrub is popular among beekeepers since it provides a source of nectar during summer months when other flowers may have finished blooming.
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 davidii, commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, attracts butterflies which symbolize change and transformation.
- New Beginnings - Its prolific blooming cycle represents fresh starts and new opportunities.
- Attraction - As the Butterfly Bush draws in butterflies and other pollinators, it signifies attraction and the ability to draw in positive influences.
- Inspiration - The vibrant blossoms of the Butterfly Bush inspire creativity and joy, often compared to an artist's muse.
- Rejuvenation - The plant's ability to bounce back and flourish after pruning mirrors resilience and rejuvenation.
WaterFor the Nanho Blue Butterfly Bush, ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, especially during its first growing season. It's best to water deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water for each plant. Adjust the frequency during extremely hot or dry periods to twice a week, ensuring you do not overwater and cause root rot. In cooler climates or during the rainy season, you might need to water less frequently. Always check the soil moisture level a few inches deep—if it feels dry, it's time to water.
LightThe Nanho Blue Butterfly Bush thrives in full sun and requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day to flourish. Choose a spot in your garden that receives ample sunshine, away from large trees or structures that would create significant shade over the plant.
TemperatureButterfly Bushes, including the Nanho Blue variety, are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, typically between 20°F and 100°F. However, they grow best when the temperature is consistently above 32°F. The ideal temperature for vigorous growth and flowering is between 60°F and 85°F.
PruningThe Nanho Blue Butterfly Bush benefits from pruning to maintain its shape, promote vigorous growth, and encourage abundant blooming. Prune in early spring before new growth begins, cutting back the previous year's growth to about one foot above ground level. Deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season can also promote further blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilButterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Nanho Blue') thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A soil mix with loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite works best to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingButterfly Bushes, including 'Nanho Blue', generally do not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every few years as they are fast-growing but prefer not to be disturbed.
Humidity & MistingButterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Nanho Blue') is tolerant of a range of humidity conditions and does not have specific humidity requirements, making it adaptable to most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun and prune for shape.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, space plants 5-6 feet.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Buddleja davidii 'Nanho Blue', commonly known as the Dwarf Butterfly Bush, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires a sunny location with well-draining soil. Once the seedlings emerge, they enter the vegetative stage, developing a woody structure and characteristic lance-shaped leaves. The plant then progresses to the flowering stage, typically in mid-to-late summer, producing cone-shaped clusters of fragrant, tubular blue flowers that attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. After pollination, the flowers produce small capsules containing seeds, leading to the dispersal stage where seeds are spread by wind or animals. In the autumn, the plant may become dormant, particularly in cooler climates, shedding its leaves and entering a period of reduced metabolic activity. In spring, the cycle resumes as new growth appears, often from the root system or existing stems, continuing the perennial cycle of the Dwarf Butterfly Bush.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Butterfly Bush 'Nanho Blue', also known by its botanical name Buddleja davidii 'Mongo', is most commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. To propagate this way, take cuttings in the late summer from the current year's growth that has begun to mature but is not yet fully woody. These cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, with the lower leaves removed. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development and plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least two sets of leaf nodes are below the surface. Maintain a moist environment and high humidity around the cuttings, which can be aided by covering with a plastic bag or a propagation dome, but be sure to ventilate regularly to prevent mold growth. Roots should start to form in a few weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots and eventually into the garden when they are sufficiently established.
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