Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii 'Summer Beauty'
ABOUT
The 'Summer Beauty' butterfly bush is a flowering plant known for its vibrant and attractive appearance. This plant features dense clusters of deep pink to magenta flowers, which bloom profusely in cone-shaped panicles at the tips of the branches. The blossoms are small, tubular, and fragrant, drawing in butterflies and other pollinators, hence the common name. The foliage of the 'Summer Beauty' butterfly bush is comprised of lance-shaped leaves that are gray-green to silvery-green in color, creating a striking contrast with the colorful flowers. The leaves are arranged in opposing pairs along the stems, providing a lush backdrop for the floral display. This cultivar has a bushy and arching growth habit, with stems that can be somewhat woody at the base. Its overall form contributes to its use as an ornamental plant in gardens, where its showy flowers and pleasant aroma are highly valued. The 'Summer Beauty' blooms mostly during the summer months, with the potential to continue flowering into the fall, depending on the climate and care it receives.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae.
Synonyms
Butterfly Bush, Summer Beauty Butterfly Bush, Orange Eye.
Common names
Buddleja davidii 'Summer Beauty'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Butterfly Bush is not known to be highly toxic to humans. While there are no commonly reported severe symptoms of poisoning, it is still not advisable to ingest any part of this plant. Ingesting plants that are not typically considered food may still cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some individuals. It is always wise to err on the side of caution and keep ornamental plants away from children who may ingest them out of curiosity.
To pets
The Butterfly Bush is generally considered to be of low toxicity to pets. However, it is not intended for consumption, and ingestion of plant parts, such as leaves or flowers, might lead to gastrointestinal upset in some animals. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, it is recommended to monitor the pet for symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea and to consult with a veterinarian. Always be cautious and prevent pets from chewing on ornamental plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Buddleja davidii 'Summer Beauty', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, is highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Butterfly Bush is relatively drought resistant, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates.
- Fast Growing: It grows quickly to fill in spaces within the garden, making it an ideal plant for landscape projects that require rapid growth.
- Low Maintenance: Butterfly Bush generally requires minimal care once settled into its location, needing only occasional pruning to maintain shape and promote more blooms.
- Long Blooming: The plant has a long flowering season, typically from early summer to the first frosts, providing sustained color and interest in the garden.
- Decorative Flowers: Butterfly Bush boasts attractive and fragrant conical flowers that come in a range of colors, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden space.
- Wildlife Habitat: Its flowers provide nectar for a wide range of pollinating insects, and the plant can act as a habitat for wildlife within garden ecosystems.
- Easy to Propagate: It can easily be propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to quickly and inexpensively expand their plantings or share with others.
- Versatile Usage: Butterfly Bush can be used in a variety of garden situations, including borders, wild gardens, and as a focal point due to its size and color.
- Tolerates Poor Soil: The plant is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, even poor or less fertile soils, making it a good candidate for challenging garden sites.
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 'Summer Beauty', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, can be used in the production of honey, as it is attractive to bees and other pollinators.
- Its dense foliage can serve as a shelter for small animals and beneficial insects in the garden.
- The plant's woody stems can be used for making small handcrafts and garden stakes once dried and treated properly.
- The Butterfly Bush can be used in landscape design to create natural privacy screens or hedges.
- Dried Butterfly Bush flowers can be added to potpourri mixtures for their color and subtle fragrance.
- The branches of the Butterfly Bush can be used in floral arrangements, providing a long-lasting green backdrop for cut flowers.
- Its flowers can be used for dyeing fabric when processed correctly, although this is not a common practice.
- Butterfly Bush can also be planted in large pots for urban or rooftop gardens to attract butterflies in areas with limited green space.
- The plant has potential use in erosion control due to its hardy and fast-growing root system.
- Photographers and artists may plant Butterfly Bushes as a natural backdrop or as an attractive setting for wildlife photography and nature-inspired artwork.
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- Transformation: Buddleja davidii, commonly known as Butterfly Bush, attracts butterflies which symbolize transformation and change due to their life cycle. The shrub signifies the beauty and positivity that change can bring.
- Renewal: As a plant that blooms vigorously and can rejuvenate after being cut back, the Butterfly Bush represents the theme of renewal and fresh starts.
- Hospitality: Butterfly Bush is known for providing nourishment to butterflies and bees. It symbolizes an inviting nature and hospitality, welcoming new life into the garden.
WaterThe Butterfly Bush ('Summer Beauty') should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water for each plant during the growing season. During hot and dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. The plant is drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering helps to maintain a robust plant with ample blooms. It is better to water this plant in the morning to allow leaves to dry out over the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
LightThe Butterfly Bush thrives in full sun, which means it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant it in a location that receives ample sun throughout the day for optimal growth and flowering. While it can tolerate partial shade, its blooming may be reduced in lesser light conditions.
TemperatureThe Butterfly Bush prefers temperate climates with temperatures ranging between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may die back to the ground in hard freezes, resprouting from the roots in spring. The plant's ideal growing conditions are in warm, not excessively hot climates without prolonged periods of high temperatures.
PruningPrune the Butterfly Bush in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage more substantial blooming. Remove any dead or damaged wood and cut back the plant by about a third of its previous height. Pruning also helps rejuvenate the plant by stimulating new growth. Pruning yearly will ensure that the Butterfly Bush remains vigorous and produces ample flowers each season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilButterfly Bush prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter; a mix of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand works well. The ideal pH for Butterfly Bush is between 6 and 7.
RepottingButterfly Bushes typically don’t need frequent repotting; they can be repotted every 2-3 years or when outgrowing their current pot.
Humidity & MistingButterfly Bush, also known as Buddleja, is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and thrives in average garden conditions without specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, minimal water, avoid heat sources.
Outdoor
Full sun, space for growth, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Buddleja davidii 'Summer Beauty', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in the spring following stratification or naturally after a winter chill. The seedlings develop into juvenile plants with a rapid growth rate, forming a shrub with multiple stems and elongated leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage in early to mid-summer, producing dense, spike-like clusters of fragrant, pink to purple flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, often by wind, to propagate the next generation. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in the late autumn or early winter, as it is deciduous and loses its leaves, conserving energy until the favorable growing conditions of spring return. Each year, the Butterfly Bush can grow larger and produce more flowers, reaching its full potential after several growing seasons.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Summer Beauty') is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically takes place in late summer when the plant’s growth begins to slow and the wood is just beginning to harden. Cuttings about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long are taken from the current season's growth, ensuring a few leaves remain at the top while the lower leaves are removed. The cut end of the cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then placed in a well-draining potting mix. A high humidity environment is maintained, often by covering the cuttings with a plastic bag or placing them in a propagator, until roots develop, after which the plastic is gradually removed to acclimate the young plant to normal conditions.
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