Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii 'Panache'
ABOUT
Buddleja davidii 'Panache', commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, is a deciduous shrub known for its vibrant and attractive features. The plant boasts lance-shaped leaves, which present a silver-green hue, creating a beautiful contrast with the flowers. These leaves often have a textured appearance, with surfaces that can feel slightly rough to the touch. The most striking feature of the Butterfly Bush is its majestic flower spikes, which can be made up of hundreds of tiny blossoms. The flowers are typically a rich mauve or purple color, with an orange eye in the center of each individual bloom. These blossoms are densely packed along the cone-shaped panicles, which elegantly arch or cascade, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the plant. The flowers are also well-known for their sweet and honey-like fragrance, which can attract various pollinators, especially butterflies, giving the plant its common name. The overall appearance of the Butterfly Bush is one of grace and vibrancy, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and attract wildlife to their gardens. Despite the exclusion of the plant's size details, 'Panache' is designed to fit into a variety of garden spaces and can be a focal point due to its striking flowers and foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac, Orange Eye
Common names
Buddleja davidii var. nanhoensis, Buddleja davidii var. superba, Buddleja davidii var. magnifica, Buddleja davidii var. wilsonii, Buddleja davidii var. prostrata, Buddleja davidii var. veitchiana, Buddleja davidii var. robusta.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Buddleja davidii 'Panache' is Butterfly Bush. Butterfly Bush is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, some individuals may experience mild discomfort or an allergic reaction if they ingest parts of the plant or come into contact with its sap. Symptoms can include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or skin irritation. It is always advisable to exercise caution and keep plants away from children who might ingest them out of curiosity.
To pets
Butterfly Bush is also the common name when referring to Buddleja davidii 'Panache’ in relation to pets. This plant is generally not considered highly toxic to pets either. However, caution should be exercised as the ingestion of any non-food plant material can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in animals. Symptoms of Butterfly Bush ingestion in pets might include vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If you suspect your pet has ingested part of a Butterfly Bush, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
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: The Buddleja davidii 'Panache', commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, is highly attractive to butterflies and bees, providing them with nectar.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good drought resistance, making it suitable for areas with low rainfall or water restrictions.
- Fast-Growing: It is a fast-growing plant, which allows for quick establishment and filling of garden spaces.
- Easy to Care: The Butterfly Bush requires minimal maintenance once it is established in a suitable location.
- Ornamental Value: With its striking flowers and foliage, it adds aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant fragrance that can be enjoyed when planted near living spaces or walkways.
- Habitat Restoration: It can be used in habitat restoration projects to help support local insect populations.
- Screening Plant: Its size and growth habit make it an effective choice for use as a natural screen or hedge.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Buddleja davidii has been traditionally used in some cultures for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antimicrobial: Some studies suggest that extracts from the plant may have antimicrobial effects against certain bacteria and fungi.
- Antioxidant: The plant contains compounds that are believed to have antioxidant properties, which may help to protect cells from damage.
- Wound healing: In traditional medicine, Buddleja davidii has been used to promote healing of wounds due to its purported antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Hepatoprotective: There is limited research suggesting potential liver-protective effects of the plant's extracts.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Buddleia davidii 'Panache', commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, can be used in butterfly gardens to attract a variety of butterflies and moths due to its nectar-rich flowers.
- The Butterfly Bush has been used in creating natural hedges or privacy screens in landscaping due to its rapid growth and dense foliage.
- This plant can be incorporated into xeriscaping schemes as it is drought-resistant once established, making it suitable for arid climates or water-conserving gardens.
- The dense and rapid growth of the Butterfly Bush allows it to be used for erosion control on banks and slopes, where its root system helps to stabilize the soil.
- Its decorative flowering branches are often used in floral arrangements and bouquets, especially since they are long-lasting when cut and have a pleasant fragrance.
- The Butterfly Bush can be planted in large containers or pots to adorn patios, balconies, or as part of urban gardening initiatives.
- With its attractive flowers, the Butterfly Bush is also used for ornamental purposes in parks, public gardens, and along roadways to enhance visual appeal.
- Because the plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, it is sometimes used in reclamation projects to repopulate disturbed ground with vegetation.
- The Butterfly Bush can act as a companion plant in agricultural fields, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects which can aid in the pollination of crops.
- Dried Butterfly Bush flowers can be used to create natural potpourris or to add a light fragrance to hand-made soaps and candles.
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 and Rebirth: Buddleja davidii, commonly known as Butterfly Bush, often symbolizes renewal and rebirth due to its ability to attract butterflies, which are seen as emblems of transformation due to their life cycle.
- Attraction: With its sweet nectar, the Butterfly Bush symbolizes attraction, whether it be attracting actual butterflies or metaphorically attracting new ideas or relationships.
- Hope: The Butterfly Bush can also represent hope, as butterflies are often considered to be symbols of the soul and of hope in many cultures.
WaterButterfly Bushes prefer well-drained soil and do not like to be overwatered. During the growing season, water the Butterfly Bush once a week with about an inch of water or roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. Adjust the watering schedule during prolonged dry spells or excessive rainfall, always checking the soil moisture before watering. It's important to water deeply and infrequently rather than shallow and often to encourage deep root development. During the winter, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy and requires less moisture.
LightThe Butterfly Bush thrives in full sun, so it's best to plant it in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Some dappled afternoon shade can be beneficial in extremely hot climates, but generally, more sun equates to more blooms. Avoid heavily shaded areas as this can reduce flowering and cause the plant to become leggy.
TemperatureThe Butterfly Bush is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it prefers a climate with temperatures averaging between 60°F and 90°F for optimal growth. While it can survive minimum temperatures down to around -20°F, it's important to ensure that the plant is well-mulched to protect the root system from harsh winter cold. Ideal growth is achieved in warmer temperatures without extreme heat, as long as the plant receives adequate water.
PruningPruning the Butterfly Bush is important for maintaining its shape and promoting vigorous flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back the previous year's growth to about one foot above the ground. This not only stimulates new growth but also ensures a more compact and bushy form with plentiful blooms. The Butterfly Bush blooms on new wood, so annual pruning will not affect the flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Butterfly Bush thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. An ideal soil mix would contain garden soil, compost, and coarse sand to enhance drainage. Mulching helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool.
RepottingButterfly Bushes do not need frequent repotting and can often be left for several years unless they become root-bound. Repotting every 2-3 years is usually sufficient to maintain healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingButterfly Bush is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Butterfly Bush 'Panache' begins with seed germination, often in early spring, following a period of stratification which breaks seed dormancy. Seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants, characterized by rapid vegetative growth and the development of foliage. As the plants mature, they enter a flowering phase in the summer, attracting pollinators with their panicles of fragrant flowers which can range in color. After pollination, the flowers produce small capsules of seeds which ripen and then are dispersed by wind and other means in late summer to fall. The plant then experiences senescence in the winter, with deciduous varieties losing their leaves and entering a period of dormancy. The cycle recommences the following spring, with some mature plants capable of vegetative propagation through root cuttings or layering as an alternative to seed reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Panache') is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically takes place in late summer. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, with several sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cuttings are then placed in a well-draining potting mixture, ensuring at least one node where the leaves were removed is below the soil surface. The pot should be kept in a bright, indirect light area and maintained at a consistent moisture level. Roots generally develop in a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
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