Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii 'Peace'

Names

• Family

  Scrophulariaceae

• Synonyms

  Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac, Orange Eye

• Common names

  Buddleja variabilis, Buddleia davidii

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant commonly known as butterfly bush is not widely recognized as poisonous to humans. There is little documented evidence of toxicity from ingestion or contact with butterfly bush. However, as with many plants, individual allergies or sensitivities are possible. If a person is sensitive to the butterfly bush and ingests a part of it, they could potentially experience an adverse reaction, but such instances appear to be rare. It's always prudent to exercise caution and keep all non-food plants out of reach of children who might ingest them out of curiosity.

• To pets

  Butterfly bush is also not widely known to be toxic to pets. It does not appear on the common lists of plants that are poisonous to cats, dogs or other domestic animals. However, eating non-food plants can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset in animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the irritation of the stomach or intestines. As with humans, it's best to prevent pets from ingesting plant material to avoid any potential upset or allergic reaction.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Lavender

• Height

  6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters)

• Spread

  4 feet (1.22 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  China

General Benefits

• Attracts Wildlife: Buddleja (Butterfly Bush) is known to attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the garden, enhancing biodiversity.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With its long panicles of fragrant flowers, the Butterfly Bush can add visual interest and beauty to landscapes and gardens.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Butterfly Bushes require minimal care, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
• Drought Tolerance: Buddleja has a good tolerance to drought conditions, which is beneficial in areas with water restrictions or low rainfall.
• Fast Growth: Butterfly Bushes are known for their rapid growth rate, which can quickly provide coverage or fill in a garden space.
• Adaptability: They can adapt to a range of soil types, although they prefer well-drained soils.
• Variety of Uses: Butterfly Bushes can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, wildlife gardens, and as focal points.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Components of the plant have been investigated for their potential to reduce inflammation.
• Antimicrobial: Extracts from Buddleja davidii may have activity against certain bacteria, suggesting a possible use as a natural antimicrobial agent.
• Antioxidant: There are indications that the plant contains compounds with antioxidant properties, which could help protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Wound healing: Traditional use suggests that the plant may promote wound healing, although scientific validation of this property is limited.
• Hepatoprotective: Some studies suggest that Buddleja davidii might have a protective effect on the liver, helping to shield it from damage.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Buddleja davidii 'Peace', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, is often used in sensory gardens due to its fragrant blooms that can add a delightful scent component to the garden experience.
• The plant's sturdy branches can be used in informal flower arrangements, providing support for other plants or flowers due to their woody nature and interesting form.
• Buddleja davidii 'Peace' can be used as a natural dye source; the flowers can produce delicate colors for fabrics and yarns.
• Butterfly Bush is incorporated into permaculture designs as a nectar source for beneficial insects, helping to maintain a healthy and diverse ecosystem within the garden.
• The plant's dense foliage makes it a suitable candidate for creating garden mazes or hedges for privacy or windbreaks in landscape design.
• Hobbyist beekeepers sometimes plant Butterfly Bush nearby to attract bees and boost local pollination, which can increase the yield of nearby fruit and vegetable crops.
• Wood from the Butterfly Bush can be used in small woodworking projects such as making stakes for other plants or crafting decorative objects for the garden.
• Due to its ability to grow in various soil conditions, Buddleja davidii 'Peace' can be used in areas prone to soil erosion, helping to stabilize the soil and prevent further degradation.
• The Butterfly Bush can be kept in large containers to adorn patios or balconies, providing greenery and attracting butterflies to urban environments.
• These plants are often used in butterfly conservation efforts as a way to provide necessary habitat and food sources to support various species of butterflies and moths.

Feng Shui

The Butterfly Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Butterfly Bush is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Transformation - Often associated with change and transformation, Buddleja is known as the butterfly bush, attracting butterflies that symbolize change and renewal.
• Peace - With the specific name ‘Peace’, this cultivar of Buddleja davidii symbolizes tranquility and a calm spirit, reflective of its serene name and the peaceful presence it can bring to a garden.
• Consolation - Buddleja can represent solace, offering comfort to those who are grieving or going through difficult times with its soft appearance and gentle presence.
• Attracting New Beginnings - As it attracts butterflies which represent new beginnings, this plant also symbolizes welcoming change and fresh starts.
• Hope - The resilience and vigor of Buddleja, combined with its ability to attract life, can symbolize hope and the belief in a brighter future.