Not all lilacs are the same. When it comes to the buddleia and the common lilac, they are two completely different plants. Nevertheless, they have certain similarities. Read below how they are similar and different.
How do lilacs and buddleias differ from each other?
While the lilac (Syringa) blooms inspring, the buddleia (Buddleja) only presents its flowers inmidsummerFurthermore, the buddleia, which comes fromAsia, is disreputable in contrast to the lilac native toEurope, as it is extremelyinvasive as a neophyteis.
What similarities do buddleia and lilac have in common?
Both the buddleia and the common lilac havelongandterminalflower panicles on the shootsThe panicles consist of numerous small individual flowers that contain a lot of nectar. Depending on the variety, both plants can bloom in white, purple or pink. Another similarity between buddleia and lilac is that they can both cause symptoms of poisoning as they contain substances that are toxic to humans and animals.
When does the buddleia bloom and when does the lilac bloom?
While the lilac blooms betweenApril and May, the buddleia, which is also known as the butterfly bush or butterfly lilac, only shows its flowers inSummer The lilac only blooms once a year and even pruning after flowering does not produce new flowers. In complete contrast to the buddleia: after its wilted inflorescences have been removed, it can produce new flower spikes a few weeks later.
How do the flowers of buddleia and lilac differ?
With itstart-scentedflowers, the buddleia attracts numerous butterflies and is therefore considered abutterfly magnetThe common lilac, on the other hand, is less interesting for butterflies and many cultivated forms only have a sparse supply of nectar. Rather, Syringa has value for humans because it cuts a pretty figure inbouquets.
How do the leaves of buddleia and lilac differ?
You can easily distinguish between the two plants based on the leaves, because the lilac hasheart-shapedto egg-shaped leaves, while the leaves of the buddleia havelanceolatehave shape and aretomentose hairy underneath. The leaves of the lilac are also smooth and slightly shiny.
How does the growth of buddleia and lilac differ?
Overall, the buddleia growsfasterthan the lilac and over the course of a season, depending on the variety and thanks to many young shoots, it develops an archedoverhangingandlooseshape. The lilac, on the other hand, grows upright and usually has a ratherstiff growth habit. But basically both bushes have a gnarled wooden structure and can grow up to 5 m tall.
Do buddleia and lilacs have similar location requirements?
The location requirements of both plants are verydifferent The butterfly lilac likes a location that is dry and barren. It prefers to grow on a gravelly substrate and in full sun. The common lilac, on the other hand, prefers a moderately moist and deep subsoil.
Are there any other differences between lilac and buddleia?
Further differences between Buddleja and Syringa are that the former is aBrownwort plantand is originally fromChinaandTibetcomes from. In contrast to Buddleja, Syringa is one of theolive tree familyand comes fromSoutheastern Europe
Tip
Buddleia and lilac as neighbors
As a hedge, you can plant lilacs and buddleias in the immediate vicinity. They balance each other out fantastically: the lilac blooms in spring and the buddleia blooms shortly afterwards. While the lilac appears rather stiff, the buddleia creates loose accents and the overall picture appears more harmonious.
