Care of the shrub Buddleja auriculata or Weeping Sage |
The genus Buddleja, family Scrophulariaceae, comprises 100 species of shrubs and trees native to America, Asia, and Africa. Some species are: Buddleja auriculata, Buddleja davidii, Buddleja globosa, Buddleja alternifolia, Buddleja parviflora, Buddleja crispa, Buddleja fallowiana, Buddleja colvilei, Buddleja salviifolia, Buddleja saligna. Common name: Weeping Sage. This species is native to Southern Africa. They are deciduous shrubs that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height and 4 meters (13.12 feet) in width. The leaves are lanceolate and glossy dark green on the upper surface and silver on the underside. The small, fragrant flowers appear in dense clusters; they are tubular and cream-colored with a yellow or orange center. They bloom during the winter. Weeping Sage is used for informal hedges, screens, borders and shrubby groups or next to ponds and streams. Buddleja auriculata prefers full sun exposure but can also grow in semi-shade. It resists the Mediterranean heat and frosts down to -5 ºC (23 ºF). Weeping Sage can be grown in any type of soil but prefer that it is well drained and contains organic matter. Buddleja auriculata tolerates drought well; water regularly all the waiting for the soil to be dry. In winter, water sparingly. Fertilize with compost in late winter and slow-release mineral fertilizer in spring. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact appearance. Weeping Sage is a shrub resistant to pests and diseases. Buddleja auriculata propagates by cuttings in spring or summer. |
Images of the shrub Buddleja auriculata or Weeping Sage |