Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red'
ABOUT
The plant known as Royal Red Butterfly Bush showcases captivating reddish-purple flowers, which make it a standout in any garden setting. These long, cone-shaped blooms cluster together, forming a panicle that can be quite dense and vivid in color. In addition to their striking visual appeal, these flowers are famously fragrant, attracting an array of butterflies and other pollinators. The foliage of this particular butterfly bush adds to its beauty, with leaves that are lance-shaped and exhibit a pleasant gray-green hue. The leaves contrast nicely with the vibrancy of the flowers, creating a lush backdrop for the radiant blooms. Each individual flower on the panicle is tiny and tubular, showcasing four delicate petals that form a divine resting place for visiting butterflies. Overall, the Royal Red Butterfly Bush is characterized by its enchanting flowers and appealing scent. Its appearance is a pleasure for both garden admirers and the natural wildlife drawn to its nectar-rich blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac, Orange Eye, Royal Red Butterfly Bush
Common names
Buddleja davidii var. nanhoensis 'Monite', Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red'
ToxicityTo humans
The Butterfly Bush is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant, as it is generally considered non-toxic. Therefore, ingesting parts of the Butterfly Bush should not result in any severe consequences for humans.
To pets
The Butterfly Bush is not known to be toxic to pets either. It is considered non-toxic to dogs and cats, so there should not be any symptoms of poisoning or significant consequences if pets ingest parts of the plant. However, it is always a good practice to prevent pets from consuming plants, as individual animals could have sensitivities or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
5-10 feet [1.5-3 meters]
Spread
5-7 feet [1.5-2.1 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Wildlife: Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, is highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and birds, providing food and habitat.
- Low Maintenance: The Butterfly Bush is easy to care for and generally requires minimal pruning and upkeep once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and dry climate gardens.
- Fast-Growing: It is a fast-growing plant that can quickly fill in garden spaces, providing coverage and privacy.
- Showy Flowers: The Butterfly Bush produces vivid red-purple flowers that add a splash of color to any garden setting.
- Long Blooming: Its bloom time extends from summer into fall, offering long-lasting visual interest.
- Deer Resistant: Typically, deer tend to avoid eating Butterfly Bush, which can be beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem for gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, can be used to create natural borders or screens in landscape design due to its dense foliage and rapid growth.
- The plant's straight branches can be used in rustic craft projects, such as homemade trellises or woven garden panels.
- Butterfly Bush can be used in sensory gardens for its textural leaves and fragrant flowers that add a tactile and olfactory experience.
- Dried Butterfly Bush flowers can be incorporated into potpourris for a subtle fragrance in the home.
- The nectar-rich flowers can be a food source in butterfly and bee farms, supporting pollinator breeding programs.
- Butterfly Bush can be arranged in informal flower bouquets for country-style floral decor.
- Its branches may be used as natural stakes for supporting other plants in the garden.
- The colorful flowers can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics or art projects.
- Photographers and artists may use the plant as a backdrop or a focal point due to its showy blooms.
- The leaves can be used in compost as they break down to add nutrients back into the soil.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiButterfly Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityButterfly Bush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Transformation: Buddleja, commonly known as Butterfly Bush, symbolizes transformation and change, reflecting the plant's ability to attract butterflies, which are emblematic of transformation.
- Renewal: As a perennial plant that returns every year, Buddleja signifies renewal and the cycle of life.
- Attraction: With its vibrant 'Royal Red' flowers, this Buddleja variety represents attraction and magnetism, much as it draws in pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
- Beauty: Its stunning red flowers are a symbol of beauty, grace, and admiration.
- New Beginnings: The Butterfly Bush's ability to grow quickly and spread can represent new beginnings and the start of new ventures.
WaterButterfly Bush 'Royal Red' requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. On average, water deeply once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on the size and soil conditions. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, as Butterfly Bush does not like to sit in waterlogged soil.
LightThe Butterfly Bush 'Royal Red' thrives best in full sun conditions, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It's important to position it in a spot where it gets ample sunlight to ensure prolific flowering and healthy growth. Partial shade is tolerable for short periods, but too much shade can lead to fewer blooms and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureThe Butterfly Bush 'Royal Red' can tolerate a range of temperatures and is hardy in zones 5 through 9. It can survive temperatures as low as -20°F, but the ideal growing conditions are between 60°F and 85°F. While the plant is heat-tolerant, scorching temperatures above 95°F may stress it, leading to fewer blooms or scorched leaves.
PruningPrune the Butterfly Bush 'Royal Red' in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain its shape and encourage healthy, vigorous blooms. It is best to cut back the previous year’s growth to about one foot from the ground to promote a fuller plant with larger blooms. Pruning is also necessary to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and to rejuvenate older plants, ensuring prolific flowering annually.
CleaningAs needed
SoilButterfly Bush 'Royal Red' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite can create the ideal growing medium. Make sure the soil is fertile and not too water-retentive to avoid root rot.
RepottingButterfly Bush 'Royal Red' is fastest-growing and typically does not need frequent repotting. It may only need repotting every 2-3 years, or if it outgrows its current space or shows signs of stress.
Humidity & MistingButterfly Bush 'Royal Red' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and prefers outdoor conditions. Average outdoor humidity is generally sufficient, and no special humidity adjustments are required for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure soil drainage, and prune in late winter.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleBuddleja davidii 'Royal Red', commonly known as Butterfly Bush 'Royal Red', begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in warm, well-drained soil typically in the spring. Seedlings establish themselves with a rapid growth rate, developing a woody stem and branching habit. By the end of the first season, the plant enters a vegetative stage, showing elongated leaves and preparing for flowering. Flowering occurs in the summer to early fall, where the plant produces vibrant red-purple panicles that attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. After pollination, seeds form and are dispersed by wind or animals, which then lie dormant through the winter. The Butterfly Bush dies back to the ground in areas with cold winters but regrows from the roots in the spring, thus continuing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The butterfly bush, known scientifically as Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red', is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is best undertaken in late summer, as the stems are matured but still flexible. To propagate, a stem cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is taken, ensuring at least two leaf nodes are present. The lower leaves are removed, and the cutting base is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, moist environment to promote rooting. Regular misting helps maintain the necessary humidity level around the cutting, and within a few weeks, roots should begin to form.
