The buddleia or butterfly lilac (Buddleja davidii) is a strong-growing, broadly upright shrub that is known for its magnificent flowers. Hardly any other shrub is visited as much by butterflies and other moths, hoverflies, bumblebees and bees as this one.
How do you plant buddleia correctly?
To plant buddleia successfully, choose a sunny location, prepare the soil with compost, dig a planting hole twice the size of the root ball, place the plant at the same height as in the pot, step Firm the soil and ensure there is sufficient planting distance.
Which location does the buddleia prefer?
The buddleia feels most comfortable in a sunny, warm location. The shrub is very heat tolerant and produces the most beautiful flowers even where it is simply too hot for other plants. However, if such a location is not available, you can also position Buddleja in light partial shade.
Which soil is suitable for buddleia?
Buddleia feels best in moderately dry, well-drained soil that is enriched with compost or topsoil when planting. Garden soils with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH value are best suited.
When is the best time to plant buddleia?
Young buddleias in particular should be planted in spring - ideally after the last night frosts in May. Then the shrub has enough time to acclimatize to its new location over the summer months.
Can you also cultivate buddleia in a pot?
In general, the buddleia is both fast and strong-growing: most varieties grow between three and four meters high and often just as wide. However, there are also dwarf varieties that can be easily cultivated in a container, for example the purple-violet flowering Buddleja davidii 'Summer Beauty'.
How should you best plant buddleia?
When planting the buddleia, it is best to proceed as follows:
- Find a suitable location.
- Place the root ball in a bucket of water so that it can soak up.
- Dig a sufficiently large planting hole.
- This should be twice the size of the root ball.
- Soil that is too heavy can be improved with sand.
- Mix the excavated material with a large shovel of mature compost (€12.00 on Amazon).
- Plant the buddleia and tamp down the potting soil well.
When planting, make sure to place the shrub in the soil at the same height or depth as it was in the pot.
What planting distance should be maintained?
Many varieties can grow up to three meters wide, which is why you should always pay attention to the appropriate planting distance when planting. However, because buddleia is often bare in the lower area, it can be easily planted with other perennials or flowers.
What is the best way to propagate buddleia?
The varietal propagation takes place via herbaceous cuttings, which you cut in June / July and immediately plant in a pot with sowing soil. The cuttings should be around 15 to 20 centimeters long. Otherwise, the shrub tends to self-sow, although the results usually look similar to the wild form.
When does buddleia bloom?
Most varieties bloom between July and September.
Tip
Young specimens in particular are sensitive to frost and require light winter protection. However, they grow well again after slight frost damage.
