It can be found in many German gardens - the heavily flowering butterfly magnet called buddleia. The shrub, which is not related to the common lilac (Syringa), is also exactly the right thing if you need a plant that grows as quickly as possible - for example for a hedge or to enhance an unsightly gap.
How fast does buddleia grow per year?
The buddleia (Buddleja davidii) grows between 30 and 200 centimeters per year, while the hanging lilac (B. alternifolia) has an annual growth of 30 to 50 centimeters. Both species are vigorous and are well suited for hedges or for planting gaps in gardens.
Buddleia is a very vigorous grower
There are two different types of buddleia or butterfly lilac that grow at different speeds. The actual butterfly bush, Buddleja davidii, grows between 30 and 200 centimeters per year, depending on growing conditions, location and weather. Depending on the variety, Davidii can grow up to 350 centimeters high and almost as wide. Buddleja alternifolia, known as hanging lilac because of its overhanging shoots, is also vigorous, but not as sprawling as B. davidii. B. alternifolia grows between 30 and 50 centimeters per year and can reach a height of up to 300 centimeters.
Tip
While Buddleja davidii needs to be cut back every spring, you should only thin out B. alternifolia a little in the fall.
