The buddleia is not only known for its phenomenal flowers and their attraction to butterflies, but also for their strong urge to spread. Is it necessary to plant it with a root barrier or can it safely be dispensed with?
Does the buddleia need a root barrier?
The buddleia needsnot mandatory a root barrier, as it generally has little tendency to develop root runners. Rather, due to its seeds and their strong tendency to self-sow, it tends to get out of control and should therefore be tamed.
What root system does the buddleia form?
Aflatin the soilspreading roots the buddleia develops over the course of its life. It is therefore considered to have shallow roots and for this reason has little stability, which makes it sensitive to gusts of wind. The roots of the buddleia, which are located just below the surface of the earth, usually grow just as wide as the bush on the surface. This can grow up to 400 cm wide.
Does the buddleia develop root runners?
Rare The butterfly lilac develops root runners, although its roots are spread flat in the ground. It follows a different propagation strategy: it spreads around the world with the help of its seeds. But basically the buddleia can produce root runners on the surface. This depends on the respective variety. If this bothers you, you can simply cut off these root runners and, if necessary,plant in another location.
Is a root barrier necessary when planting buddleia?
It isnot necessary to plant the buddleia with a root barrier, as it has little tendency to develop root runners. However, there are exceptions when a root barrier makes sense. This includes the case that the butterfly bush has plants in its immediate vicinity that are weaker than it and could be displaced by it and its shallow network of roots. A root barrier is also advisable if the buddleia is located directly on the house wall or on sidewalks. Otherwise it could damage the objects with its wide root system.
What is more important than a root barrier for buddleia?
More important than a root barrier for Buddleja davidii is acutting back the spent inflorescences They represent a threat to other native plants, as the buddleia is considered invasive. If the seeds form unhindered, they spread through the wind and germinate elsewhere.
Tip
Maintain a respectful minimum distance
Without a root barrier, you should make sure to plant the butterfly lilac at a certain distance from other plants. For example, if it forms part of a flowering hedge, it is advisable to maintain a minimum distance of 80 cm from the neighboring plants. If you don't take this into account, you risk the buddleia displacing its neighboring plants.
