Buddleja, Butterfly Bush, Orange-eye Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac 'Empire Blue'

This is an older cultivar. The RHS withdrew its Award of Garden Merit after the 2008-2010 Buddleja trials.

This species is...Read Moren'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.

I got 3 of these a few months ago and the plants looked quite tiny, they are bursting with blooms now and so pretty. They appear to reall...Read Morey thrive in full sun, I have one in a shadier spot and it is growing more slowly and has not flowered yet. The flowers are a lovely pale periwinkle blue with a vibrant orange eye. The contrast is very striking. I'm also growing the black knight, white profusion, and bicolor. Now that I've seen these bloom, I am pretty pleased! Highly recommend!

Buddleia davidii 'Empire Blue' BUTTERFLY BUSH Dec (z5) (Fra,Bfly,Cut)
Fragrant trusses of rich violet-blue flowers with an orange ...Read Moreeye are wonderful in the late summer border or the late summer bouquet. Sun/Med