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Description
Buddleja Davidii Empire Blue, commonly known as butterfly bush, is a deciduous shrub native to China. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful flowers and ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators. The flowers are fragrant and appear in dense panicles of small tubular blooms that range in color from purple to blue. The foliage is lance-shaped and gray-green in color, with a soft, fuzzy texture.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Buddlejaceae |
| Genus | Buddleja |
Appearance
Buddleja Davidii Empire Blue can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The flowers bloom from midsummer to early fall and can reach up to 8 inches in length. The leaves are 3-8 inches long and 1-3 inches wide, with a slightly serrated edge. The bark is gray-brown and smooth, becoming rougher with age.
Care Guide
Buddleja Davidii Empire Blue requires full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but should be watered regularly during the first growing season. Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Buddleja Davidii Empire Blue is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by spider mites, powdery mildew, or leaf spot. These issues can be treated with insecticides or fungicides.
Habitat
Buddleja Davidii Empire Blue is native to western and central China, where it grows in rocky areas and along streams, slopes, and forest edges. It has been introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental plant and has become naturalized in some areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Buddleja Davidii Empire Blue be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Buddleja Davidii Empire Blue can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: How often should Buddleja Davidii Empire Blue be pruned?
A: Buddleja Davidii Empire Blue should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Dead or damaged branches should be removed, and the plant can be shaped as desired.
Q: Is Buddleja Davidii Empire Blue toxic to pets?
A: Buddleja Davidii Empire Blue is not considered toxic to pets, but it should still be kept out of reach to prevent ingestion.
Q: How can I attract more butterflies to my Buddleja Davidii Empire Blue?
A: Planting other nectar-rich flowers nearby and avoiding the use of pesticides can help attract more butterflies to your Buddleja Davidii Empire Blue.
Related Plants
- Buddleja Davidii
- Buddleja X Weyeriana
- Buddleja Alternifolia
- Buddleja Globosa
References
- “Buddleja Davidii.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c361.
- “Buddleja Davidii ‘Empire Blue’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/97876/buddleja-davidii-empire-blue/details.
- “Buddleja Davidii Empire Blue – Butterfly Bush.” Garden Design, www.gardendesign.com/plants/buddleja-davidii-empire-blue.html.
