Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii 'Pixie White'
ABOUT
Buddleja davidii 'Pixie White', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, is distinguished by its ornamental features. This plant showcases eye-catching white flowers that are borne in profuse, elongated clusters known as panicles. These bloom clusters are a magnet for butterflies and other pollinators, adding to the plant's charm. Each individual flower is small and tubular, contributing to the fluffy appearance of the clusters. The foliage of Butterfly Bush 'Pixie White' is also noteworthy, with leaves that exhibit a lance-like shape and a pleasant green hue that contrasts beautifully with the white flowers. The leaves generally have a smooth edge and a somewhat textured surface. This shrub boasts a graceful, arching form with stems that bear flowers and foliage in a balanced, attractive arrangement. Overall, its appearance is one of delicate beauty, making it a popular choice for gardeners who want to create an inviting habitat for wildlife and an aesthetically pleasing garden display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac, Orange Eye
Common names
Buddleja davidii 'Pixie White'.
ToxicityTo humans
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Pixie White') is not widely known to be toxic to humans. While not considered edible, there is no significant evidence to suggest that this plant poses a serious risk of poisoning if ingested. As with many ornamental plants, it may be prudent to avoid ingesting any part of the plant due to the potential for individual allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Pixie White') is also not widely recognized as being toxic to pets. Although it is generally not a plant that pets are drawn to eat, it is always advisable to prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for consumption, as they could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction if ingested in large amounts.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Buddleja davidii 'Pixie White' is known to attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems and pollination.
- Low Maintenance: This variety typically requires less maintenance than other shrubs, making it a good choice for those who want a garden that isn't too labor-intensive.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to periods of drought and can thrive with minimal watering.
- Decorative Flowers: The plant produces beautiful white blooms that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden space.
- Compact Size: 'Pixie White' is a compact version of Buddleja davidii, making it suitable for smaller gardens or as part of a mixed border.
- Fast Growth: It is known for its rapid growth rate, allowing gardeners to enjoy its benefits relatively quickly after planting.
- Suitable for Containers: Its compact nature makes it suitable for container gardening, allowing it to be used in patios and on balconies.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Insect photography: Butterfly bush is often used by photographers as a natural lure to attract various insects for close-up photography.
- Bioindicator plant: Due to their sensitivity to changes in the soil and atmosphere, they can be used to monitor the health of an ecosystem.
- Agricultural research: Butterfly bushes might be used in agricultural studies to attract pollinators and assess their impact on crop production.
- Erosion control: This plant can be utilized on slopes and banks to prevent soil erosion due to its robust root system.
- Art and crafting: The flowers and branches can be used in the creation of natural dyes or for inclusion in craft projects such as wreaths and dried flower arrangements.
- Education: The butterfly bush can serve as a teaching tool in schools to educate about plant growth, pollination, and insect diversity.
- Garden borders and structure: The upright growth habit and dense foliage of the butterfly bush make it suitable for creating visually appealing garden borders and structures.
- Habitat enhancement: Butterfly bush can contribute to the design of wildlife-friendly gardens or restoration of native habitats.
- Culinary: Some cultures use the flowers to add a floral note to dishes or to decorate desserts, although caution is advised as not all parts of the plant are edible.
- Companion planting: Planted among vegetables, butterfly bush may help to attract beneficial insects that can aid in pest control.
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: Buddleja davidii, commonly known as Butterfly Bush, often symbolizes new beginnings or a fresh start, as it attracts butterflies that are emblematic of transformation and change.
- Hope: The ability of the Butterfly Bush to attract butterflies, creatures that represent hope and life, passes on a sense of optimism and looking forward to better times.
- Attraction: Just as the Butterfly Bush attracts a variety of pollinators, it can also symbolize magnetism or the power of attraction, whether in love, friendship, or positive energies.
- Rebirth: Again, through its association with butterflies – creatures that go through metamorphosis – the Butterfly Bush can represent rebirth and the idea of emerging into a new phase of life.
- Consolation: The lush growth and the comforting presence of butterflies can offer solace to some, making the Butterfly Bush a symbol of comfort in times of loss or sadness.
WaterThe Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Pixie White') prefers a well-draining soil and needs regular watering, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about one to two gallons per plant, depending on the weather conditions; hot, dry spells may necessitate more frequent watering. Always check the soil moisture before watering; the top inch should be dry to the touch. Reduce watering frequency once the plant is established, aiming for a deep watering every two to three weeks, unless there is significant rainfall.
LightThe Butterfly Bush thrives in full sun, which means it should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant it in a spot where it is exposed to the sun for the majority of the day to encourage the best growth and flower production. A south-facing or west-facing garden is often an ideal location for optimal light conditions.
TemperatureThe Butterfly Bush is a hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to around -20°F and is comfortable during the summer months up to about 100°F. Ideally, it flourishes when the temperature is consistently above freezing, around 32°F, during its growing season.
PruningPruning is essential for the Butterfly Bush to maintain its shape and to encourage more prolific blooming. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, cutting back the previous year's growth to about a foot from the ground. This also helps to rejuvenate the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Deadheading, or removing spent flower clusters, can be done throughout the blooming season to promote further flowering.
CleaningNot needed
SoilButterfly Bush prefers well-draining soil enriched with compost, having a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingThe Butterfly Bush should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingButterfly Bush thrives in average humidity levels and does not require special humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and room to grow for Butterfly Bush indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil for outdoor Butterfly Bush growth.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleBuddleja davidii 'Pixie White', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, begins its life as a seed, which upon germinating, develops into a small seedling. The seedling then undergoes a period of vegetative growth, establishing a root system and producing leaves, as it matures into a young plant. Given the right conditions of soil, light, and water, the Butterfly Bush will then progress to its flowering stage, during which it produces white conical flower clusters that attract butterflies and other pollinators. After pollination, the flowers give way to seed capsules, which eventually dry and release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant can enter a period of dormancy in colder climates, typically losing its leaves in winter and going into a rest period until favorable growth conditions return in the spring. Over time, the Butterfly Bush can become woody at the base, with older plants developing a significant bushy structure before potentially senescing after several years, depending on care and environmental conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Buddleja davidii 'Pixie White', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, is most commonly propagated in late spring to early summer through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) from new growth that has started to harden but is not fully woody. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the base of the cutting can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the leafless part is buried, and kept moist but not wet, ideally in a shaded or partially shaded area. Rooting typically occurs in a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to direct sunlight and eventually transplanted to their permanent location.
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