Butterfly Bush Buddleja × weyeriana 'Pink Pagoda' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Pink Pagoda Butterfly Bush is a lovely ornamental shrub known for its distinctive flowering habit. The plant produces an abundance of delicate flower clusters that boast a soft pink hue. These blossoms have a unique, rounded, almost plump appearance that sets them apart from the elongated cone-shaped flowers seen in other varieties of butterfly bush. Each individual flower within the clusters exudes an inviting fragrance, which is particularly attractive to butterflies, giving this plant its common name. The foliage of the Pink Pagoda Butterfly Bush presents in a lush green hue, with leaves that have a slightly textured surface. The leaves are pointed at the ends, giving them an elegant look as they frame the floral displays. As the name suggests, the plant's overall form is reminiscent of oriental architecture, like a pagoda, with blooms arranged in a tiered fashion. This arrangement adds to the visual interest and makes it a delightful addition to any garden space looking for a touch of unique charm and color.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac
Common names
Buddleja × weyeriana 'Pink Pagoda' (PBR)
- Toxicity
To humans
Butterfly Bush (the most common name for Buddleja × weyeriana 'Pink Pagoda') is generally not considered to be toxic to humans. There is little information available that suggests that this plant poses a significant risk of poisoning when touched or ingested. As with many ornamental plants, it may cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals when handled or ingested, so it is advisable to practice common sense and avoid eating any part of the plant. However, if ingested in significant quantities, it is always wise to monitor for any unusual symptoms and seek medical attention if any adverse effects are observed.
To pets
Butterfly Bush is also generally not considered to be toxic to pets. Similar to its effects on humans, there is limited information on the plant causing significant toxicity in pets. Consuming parts of the plant might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea, particularly if they ingest a large amount. If your pet consumes Butterfly Bush and shows signs of distress, it would be prudent to consult a veterinarian. Nonetheless, it is always a good practice to prevent pets from ingesting ornamental plants as a precautionary measure.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters)
Spread
5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attracts Wildlife: Buddleja × weyeriana 'Pink Pagoda' is known for attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Ornamental Value: The plant's panicles of pink flowers add aesthetic charm and color to the landscape throughout its blooming season.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for drought-prone areas or low-maintenance gardens.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for being an easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in a range of soil types, requiring minimal horticultural expertise.
- Rapid Growth: The Butterfly Bush grows quickly, allowing gardeners to enjoy its benefits shortly after planting.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires little pruning or care beyond the basic requirements, making it a convenient choice for busy or novice gardeners.
- Versatility: Suitable for mixed borders, cottage gardens, and can be grown in containers, offering a range of landscape uses.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Buddleja × weyeriana 'Pink Pagoda' can be used as a natural dye; the flowers may provide a light green shade when used in textile dying.
- Butterfly Bush is often planted to provide a sensory experience in gardens, with fragrant blossoms attracting not only butterflies but also engaging the sense of smell for humans.
- Due to its rapid growth and dense foliage, Butterfly Bush can be utilized for creating privacy screens in landscapes.
- The wood of Butterfly Bush can be used in the creation of small crafts or as stakes in gardening, due to its structure and availability.
- Butterfly Bush flowers provide a natural source of pigment for botanical watercolor artists.
- The dried flowers of Butterfly Bush can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for their fragrance and color.
- The plant's ability to thrive in poor soil can be used for soil stabilization in erosion-prone areas.
- Butterfly Bush is used in photography and painting as a subject for practicing capturing colors due to the vibrant flowers.
- Gardeners can use Butterfly Bush as a companion plant to deter deer in areas where deer browsing is a problem as it is not a preferred food for them.
- In educational settings, Butterfly Bush can be used as a practical tool to teach students about plant-insect interactions, especially pollination.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Butterfly Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Butterfly Bush is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Renewal: The Buddleja, commonly known as Butterfly Bush, often symbolizes renewal because it attracts butterflies which are symbols of transformation and new beginnings.
- Attraction: The sweet nectar of Butterfly Bush flowers is known to attract a variety of pollinators, making it symbolic of allure and magnetism.
- Hope: The plant can represent hope, as butterflies are often viewed as messengers bringing positive changes and new growth, correlating with the plant's role in supporting these creatures.
- Recovery: Buddleja is a hardy plant that can grow in tough conditions, thus symbolizing recovery and the ability to bounce back from adversity.
- Water
The Butterfly Bush 'Pink Pagoda' should be watered deeply to encourage a strong root system, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. In the absence of rainfall, water the plant once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons each time depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. During extreme heat or if the plant is in a particularly sunny spot, you may need to water more frequently to prevent stress. In the winter months, reduce watering as the plant will require less moisture. Always avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases.
- Light
The Butterfly Bush 'Pink Pagoda' thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Place the plant in a location where it can receive unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. Dappled afternoon shade is acceptable in extremely hot climates, but ample morning sun is essential for the best flowering and plant health.
- Temperature
The Butterfly Bush 'Pink Pagoda' prefers temperate climates and can tolerate a temperature range from just above freezing, around 34°F, to about 95°F. However, it grows best when the temperature is consistently between 60°F and 85°F. It is important to protect the plant from cold winter winds and frost, which can damage the foliage and stems.
- Pruning
Pruning the Butterfly Bush 'Pink Pagoda' promotes healthy growth and abundant flowering. Prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back the previous year's growth to about one-third of its original height. This can be done annually to maintain a desirable shape and size. Pruning after flowering can also help to encourage a second bloom in the same season.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Butterfly Bush 'Pink Pagoda' thrives in a soil mix that's well-draining and fertile. A mix made of loam, peat or compost, and sharp sand or perlite can ensure good drainage and fertility. For this hybrid, soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
- Repotting
Butterfly Bush 'Pink Pagoda' should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years as it is a vigorous grower. Larger specimens can be top-dressed instead of being fully repotted to refresh the nutrients in the soil.
- Humidity & Misting
Butterfly Bush 'Pink Pagoda' is hardy and adaptable, but it prefers moderate humidity levels. Consistent humidity around 40-60% is ideal, and they can usually tolerate the ambient outdoor humidity in most temperate climates without requiring any special consideration.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Butterfly Bush 'Pink Pagoda' in bright light indoors.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun and well-draining soil for Butterfly Bush.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Buddleja × weyeriana 'Pink Pagoda', commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, begins its life cycle as a seed, which under favorable conditions of warmth and moisture, germinates to produce a small seedling. The seedling grows rapidly in spring and summer, developing a substantial root system and foliage. Once established, the plant enters a vegetative state where it produces dense clumps of grey-green leaves that serve as the foundation for its growth and health. In late summer to autumn, the Butterfly Bush reaches its flowering stage, producing conical clusters of pink to purple fragrant flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small capsules containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, the above-ground structures of the Butterfly Bush die back in winter, but the plant remains alive through its root system, ready to regrow and repeat the cycle in the following spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Buddleja × weyeriana 'Pink Pagoda', also known as Butterfly Bush, is most commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time to take these cuttings is in late summer, after the plant has flowered and the current season's growth is beginning to mature. To propagate, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is taken from a healthy branch. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the leafless part of the stem is buried. The pot should be kept in a warm, bright area with indirect light, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent rot. Roots typically develop after several weeks, at which point the new plants can eventually be transplanted outdoors.