You can recognize a he althy buddleia (Buddleja) by its strong green leaves, lush growth and numerous flowers. However, these characteristics only become apparent if the shrub is regularly supplied with sufficient nutrients, otherwise fewer flowers will form and the leaves will turn yellow.
How should buddleia be fertilized?
Buddleia in the garden needs organic fertilizer, such as compost and horn shavings, twice a year. For potted plants, a liquid flowering plant fertilizer with more phosphorus and less nitrogen is recommended every two weeks from March to September.
Fertilize buddleia in the garden
Buddleia planted in the garden is best supplied with natural fertilizer, with horn shavings (€32.00 on Amazon) or flour, but also compost and stable manure, being particularly suitable.
Starting fertilization when planting
When planting, you can add a handful of horn shavings and some compost to the excavation. This gives the young shrub the necessary strength to get started and helps it grow more easily in its new location.
Fertilize older plants
Older plants should be supplied with organic fertilizer twice a year. Start with a first dose of compost and horn shavings before budding in March, with the second dose in June. Work the fertilizer carefully into the root area, but do not damage the root strands, some of which run close to the surface. If you prefer to use complete fertilizer, fertilize twice a year. However, make sure to choose a flowering plant fertilizer with little nitrogen and more phosphorus - this ensures beautiful flowers.
Fertilize buddleia in the pot
If the buddleia is cultivated in a planter, fertilize it about every two weeks between March and September with a liquid complete fertilizer for flowering plants. Here too, the fertilizer should contain less nitrogen and more phosphorus. Nitrogen ensures stronger growth of shoots and leaves, so that the shrub puts less energy into the desired flowering. If possible, administer the fertilizer together with the irrigation water.
Soil or substrate must not be too rich
Even if buddleia needs to be fertilized regularly, it should not be placed on soil that is too rich. The shrub feels most comfortable on a sandy, well-drained substrate - as the numerous specimens that thrive on bank embankments show.
Tip
Watering the buddleia also needs to be learned: the bush should not dry out, but it should not be overwatered either. It is always best to do a finger test before watering to determine the need. On very hot summer days or during dry periods, even planted specimens can tolerate additional watering - but this depends on the location and the soil. Potted plants, on the other hand, always rely on a regular supply of water.