Buddleja, Variegated Butterfly Bush, Orange-eye Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac 'Santana'

This is a sport of 'Royal Red'. Unfortunately, it's one of the shortest-lived cultivars of a short-lived species.

The spec...Read Moreies itself usually survives less than 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.

Confirm Cv "Santana"?_Pruning in nearly frost-free clime_Controling major pests:

This is one of the most attractive yellow...Read More-variegated plants! The saturated yellow may darken to chartreuse to light green on older leaves. The yellow runs predominantly on the outer part of the leaf with the green "brushed" from the central vein like an "overlay". Yellow is very CLEANLY separated from the green even if the line is very irregular. Looking very closely reveals subtle translucent layers each of which is evenly saturated. This is why I doubt the pictures by 'rcn48' and 'chicochi3'.

The rest of the photos by 'Calif Sue' and 'Kell' are very typical of 'Santana'.

In addition the fragrant purple flowers with an orange eye are a magnificent compliment to the yellow of the leaves!

Aside to foliar and flower perfection this plant is extremely easy to grow. Here in San Diego it is EVERGREEN (Sunset Western garden zones 23/24). However it looks better cutting back hard in winter. Also frequent moderate pruning after each branch flowers keeps strong growth and fuller flower spikes. Removing any weak growth and older branches keeps the yellow coming!

Unfortunately also loved by gophers! Use a PAIR of MACABEE traps. Unfortunately a poor substitute trap is commonly available. It does work but requires a bigger space in the burrow to close and has a different trigger configuration that is not as "sensitive". If done right both traps get the gopher every time. Contrary to opinion of some who see the trap it is very humane (again if done right!) the gopher is killed much quicker than any natural predator could do!
PLEASE do not use poison "baits"!!! Gassing only works if all openings to the burrow are closed- this very difficult in a garden situation!

Another common pest that may completely halt blooming are two kinds of "bud worms" one of which creates an envelope of the new leaves at the tip with webbing. The catepillars are easily controlled by a fresh batch of SPINOSAD thoroughly sprayed on the tips and new leaves at dusk* (when bees are gone!!!) Also separating the silk-bound leaves and physically squashing the catepillar.

There is a grub that affects tips of growth throughout the plant. Also creates a tightly closed envelope of leaves. It is very hard to control unless with timely spraying (see package instructions). If bad infestation I would pinch out all the affected tips and get on a spray schedule.

SPINOSAD is the most environmentally friendly product available! *It will not harm bees the next morning when it is no longer wet on the leaves or flowers. IT SHOULD NEVER BE APPLIED DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS when bees are active unless in a closed greenhouse. RTU formulas are questionable as the effective ingredient is living bacteria species that are specific to insects that ingest it! Use any batch WITHIN 2 HOURS OF MIXING.

This plant (and its close relative 'evil ways') is an incredible find for our very shady woodland border garden in Northern Virginia. St...Read Moreunning variegated leaves up close, and year-long (at least so far) contrasting yellow color from a distance. Deer don't mess with it at all, and it still grew dense with only 3 hours of direct sun a day. No problems whatsoever, even in mostly clay soil, competing with poplar roots, wet or dry, temps down to 20F. The contrasting purple blooms aren't large, but they are more than a bonus. Good luck finding it at retailers.

Buddleia davidii 'Santana' GOLDEN VARIEG. B'FLY B Dec (z5) (Fra,Bfly)
Lovely deep-green splashed with yellow foliage and fragrant,...Read More June-to-frost red-purple flowers make this 4-6 footer an all season treat; a winner you'll enjoy from Blakedown Nurseries in England.