Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii 'Leela Kapila'
ABOUT
The 'Leela Kapila' is a variation of the butterfly bush, known for its attractive blooms that lure in butterflies and other pollinators. This plant is characterized by its arching branches that bear lush foliage. The leaves are lance-shaped with a deep green color, creating a dense backdrop for the showy flowers. Flowering prolifically, the 'Leela Kapila' produces long, conical clusters of flowers that take on a radiant hue. These inflorescences are made up of tiny, tubular individual flowers that are tightly packed together, giving the appearance of bountiful floral spikes. The blooms emit a sweet fragrance, which contributes to its allure for both humans and wildlife. The overall impression of the 'Leela Kapila' butterfly bush is one of abundant floriferousness and vibrant color, set against a backdrop of verdant foliage. Its flowers serve as a visual highlight, bringing a dynamic quality to gardens where the plant is cultivated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae.
Synonyms
Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac, Orange Eye.
Common names
Buddleja variabilis, Buddleia davidii.
ToxicityTo humans
Butterfly bush is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. No significant toxic effects have been widely reported from ingesting parts of the butterfly bush.
To pets
Butterfly bush is generally considered to be non-toxic to pets. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning as the plant is not known to pose significant risks if ingested by animals such as cats or dogs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Buddleja davidii 'Leela Kapila', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, is highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects due to its fragrant and nectar-rich flowers.
- Landscape Aesthetic: With its showy purple flowers, this plant adds vibrant color and beauty to any garden landscape or ornamental planting setting.
- Low Maintenance: The Butterfly Bush is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, which makes it a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: After becoming established, Butterfly Bushes can tolerate periods of low water availability, making them suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Rapid Growth: The plant is known for its fast growth rate, providing quick cover or filling in garden spaces efficiently.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter and nesting sites for various species of birds, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Buddleja species have been investigated for their potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Antimicrobial: Some studies have found that extracts from Buddleja davidii have antimicrobial properties.
- Antioxidant: Buddleja davidii contains compounds that may exert antioxidant effects.
- Wound healing: There is some evidence to suggest that Buddleja davidii could help in the process of wound healing due to its active compounds.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Buddleia davidii 'Leela Kapila', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, can be used as a natural dye for textiles, providing a range of colors from green to yellow depending on the mordant used.
- The branches and foliage can be included in compost mixes; as they break down, they add essential nutrients back into the soil.
- Its flowers can be used in potpourris; when dried, they retain some of their fragrance and add a subtle pleasant aroma.
- Butterfly Bush can be used as a privacy screen because of its dense growth, creating a natural green barrier in gardens and landscapes.
- Some artists use the flowers for botanical prints, pressing the blooms onto paper to create natural patterns and motifs.
- Butterfly Bush's durable wood can be used for small woodcraft projects, including carving and turning, although it's not commonly sought after for this purpose.
- Gardeners may use pruned branches of the Butterfly Bush to create natural trellises for climbing plants within the garden.
- The leaves of the Butterfly Bush can be used in creating natural leaf molds for garden paths or decorative stepping stones.
- In some regions, the fibrous stems can be used to weave small baskets or garden ornaments, although this is a less conventional use.
- Because of its ability to grow quickly and densely, Butterfly Bush can be planted to help control erosion on sloped landscapes.
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, symbolizes renewal because it has the ability to rejuvenate itself by sprouting anew each year, often from old wood or after severe pruning.
- Attraction: This plant is known to attract butterflies and other pollinators, representing the power of attraction and the beauty that can draw others in.
- Transformation: As a favorite of metamorphosing butterflies, the Butterfly Bush symbolizes transformation and the beauty of change.
- Hope: Its continuous blooming throughout the summer season offers a symbol of hope, signifying that life continues to renew itself.
- Consolation: The Butterfly Bush is sometimes given to people who have lost a loved one, as butterflies are often seen as spirits or messengers, offering consolation by its presence.
WaterButterfly Bushes need regular watering, especially during their first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, they are moderately drought tolerant. Water thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. About 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, which equates to roughly 0.6 to 0.9 gallons per week, should suffice. During hot, dry periods, additional watering may be necessary to prevent stress. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
LightButterfly Bushes thrive in full sun, meaning they prefer at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They are adaptable to a range of sunlight conditions but will produce the most flowers in a spot that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. Plant them in a location away from tall trees or buildings that can cast shade for optimal blooming.
TemperatureButterfly Bushes are hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range; they are suited for growth in USDA Zones 5 through 10. They can withstand winter temperatures down to around -20°F and are heat tolerant up to about 100°F, although they prefer the warmer end of this spectrum for vigorous growth. The ideal temperature for these plants is between 60°F and 80°F.
PruningPruning Butterfly Bushes is vital for maintaining their shape, encouraging new growth, and promoting more abundant flowers. Prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back the previous year's growth to about a foot from the ground. This can stimulate new growth and larger blooms. Pruning may also be done after flowering to remove spent flower heads and prevent self-seeding.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii 'Leela Kapila') thrives in well-drained soil with high fertility. A mix containing loamy garden soil, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite to improve drainage would be ideal. The best soil pH for the Butterfly Bush is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingButterfly Bushes, particularly young plants, may require repotting every 1-2 years to ensure adequate room for growth. Mature Butterfly Bushes typically do not need to be repotted often unless they are container-grown and become root-bound.
Humidity & MistingButterfly Bushes are not highly demanding in terms of humidity; they can tolerate different levels. However, they perform best in moderate humidity, typical of outdoor conditions, and do not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright light, limit size, and ensure air flow.
Outdoor
Full sun, spacious area, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleBuddleja davidii 'Leela Kapila', commonly known as Butterfly Bush, begins its life as a seed, which requires a well-drained soil mix to germinate and generally benefits from light exposure. Upon sprouting, the seedling grows rapidly and can soon be transplanted if started indoors. The plant then enters a vegetative stage, characterized by the growth of its distinctive lance-shaped leaves and sturdy stems. After its first season or upon reaching maturity, it begins its flowering stage in the summer, producing cone-shaped clusters of fragrant flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. Post-blooming, seeds are produced and dispersed, often self-sowing if not deadheaded. As a perennial, Butterfly Bush enters dormancy in the winter, with stems dying back in colder climates, before resuming growth from its root system in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Buddleja davidii 'Leela Kapila', commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, is most popularly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings in the later part of summer. To propagate using this method, a gardener would take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) long from a healthy, non-flowering stem. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the remaining leaves are above the soil surface. The pot with the cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment and out of direct sunlight to prevent the cutting from drying out while it develops roots. Consistent moisture is maintained until the roots establish, typically within a few weeks, after which the young plant can be gradually acclimated to less controlled conditions.
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