Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Buddleja davidii or Summer lilac

The genus Buddleja, family Scrophulariaceae, comprises 100 species of shrubs and trees native to America, Asia, and Africa. Some species are: Buddleja davidii, Buddleja auriculata, Buddleja globosa, Buddleja alternifolia, Buddleja parviflora, Buddleja crispa, Buddleja fallowiana, Buddleja colvilei, Buddleja salviifolia, Buddleja saligna.

Common names: Summer lilac, Butterfly-bush, Orange eye. This species is native to China and Japan.

They are highly branched deciduous shrubs with hanging branches that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet). The leaves are lanceolate in shape, the edge is serrated and are green on the upper surface and whitish on the underside. The interesting flowers appear in conical terminal spikes (up to 0.5 meters/1.64 feet in length) of various colors: white, pink, purple, violet, etc. They bloom throughout the summer.

These easy-to-grow shrubs are used to form groups or as isolated specimens. They attract butterflies and bees.

Buddleja davidii needs full sun or semi-shade exposure and warm temperatures; they can withstand the cold if they protect themselves.

They can be grown in any type of soil that contains organic matter. Plant in spring.

Water frequently in spring and summer; reduce watering the rest of the year.

Fertilize in fall with manure or compost.

Prune vigorously in late fall to strengthen the plant and make it bloom more the following year.

They can be attacked by aphids and by viral diseases.

They propagate by cuttings in autumn or spring; rooting in seedlings with glass.

Images of the shrub Buddleja davidii or Summer lilac