Buddleja, Butterfly Bush, Orange-eye Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac 'Potter's Purple'

This cultivar originated as a seedling found in 1984 by Jack Potter at the Wister Garden in Swarthmore, PA. At Michael Dirr's University ...Read Moreof Georgia Buddleia trials, it has consistently ranked near the very top of 60+ trialed cultivars.

The species isn't long-lived (usually under 10 years). Hard pruning (to 6") annually in early spring helps it renew itself and improves bloom.

All B. davdii cultivars require weekly deadheading for them to look and bloom its best.

Butterfly bushes may be good nectar sources for adult butterflies, but they are not food sources for the caterpillars of any Lepidoptera native to the continental US.

In some places, B. davidii can be an invasive weed: England, France, New Zealand, and the states of Oregon and Washington. It has naturalized in eastern N. America but is not considered invasive there. Recent cultivars are usually selected for dramatically reduced fertility.This species has naturalized along the west coast of N. America from BC to Califolia, and also in 17 eastern states.

Buddleia davidii 'Potter's Purple' BUTTERFLY BUSH Dec (z5) (Fra,Bfly,Cut)
Very large, Very deep violet, Very fragrant flower clust...Read Moreers make this sturdy large (6-7') shrub a favorite of many, including Jack Potter at the Scott Arboretum. Sun/Med