The butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), sometimes known as “summer lilacs,” is a fast-growing perennial shrub with multitudes of flowers in the form of long, spiked trusses. Butterfly bushes are gorgeous, simple to cultivate, and need just little maintenance on a daily basis, so it’s no wonder they’re so popular. Now, where to buy butterfly bush? Very limited nurseries in the U.S. import this plant from China. Before adding it to the landscape, one should consult their local agricultural extension office. Butterfly bush falls under the category of an invasive plant in some parts of the United States, which is described as a non-native species that can disrupt local vegetation.
Why is it Named Butterfly Bush?
The Butterfly Bush is a nectar-rich shrub that attracts dozens of species of butterflies, as well as hummingbirds, bees, and beneficial insects. From June through September, it produces a lot of stunning, fragrant blossoms. The flowers have shallow receptacles that contain a high amount of sucrose, an energy fuel. Furthermore, they give off a scent that is similar to honey, attracting butterflies.
Butterfly Bush Planting
In the spring, butterfly bushes usually grow from a potted nursery or from seeds. It is a very quick-growing plant, and it typically grows to maturity in just one growing season. Butterfly bush thrives in full sun, medium moisture, and well-drained soil. They can withstand drought but not moist soil. Planting them 5 to 10 feet apart will give them the extra space they need to grow. When planting, one needs to follow the basic steps:
- Dig a hole as wide as the plant container.
- In the hole, set the plant leveling root ball with the earth.
- To mildly fertilize the soil, add a layer of compost to it.
- Thoroughly water the plant.
- For moisture retention and winter protection, cover with a 2-inch layer of mulch.
Special Care
Before looking for where to buy butterfly bush, one must be familiar with the invasive nature of these plants. Problems arise when they outcompete other plants and develop into noxious weeds. They require minimal maintenance and have the tendency to self-seed extensively; therefore, gardeners need to proceed with caution. The plant growth can be controlled by removing the squandered flower clusters before they can produce seeds. Butterfly bushes often fall back to the ground in the winter in colder climates when they are treated like herbaceous perennials. They can be cut back accordingly to keep them under control and encourage better blooming in warm regions.
Origin and Nature
Butterfly Bush is not native to North America. B. davidii, originates from China and spreads throughout Asia and the Americas, evolving into more than 140 species along the way. These come in many colors purple, red, pink, and white. For tiny gardens and containers, sizes now come in dwarf varieties (‘Blue Chip’ and ‘Pink Chip’). Since they can get up to 6 to 12 feet high, larger sizes are usually planted in gardens as a backdrop.
Conclusion
In comparison to natural flowering shrubs, Butterfly Bush has the upper hand due to its extraordinary reproductive performance. It is excellent for dispersing and producing seeds. Where to buy butterfly bush? One can easily buy them online or by visiting a nursery. This plant grows quickly, and each spring, trimming it all the way to the ground stimulates vigorous growth and abundant blossoms. Even in hotter areas where the plant develops as an evergreen shrub, this is generally an ideal gardening technique to control the expansion.
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