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Description
Buddleja Davidii Royal Red is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. It is known for its stunning, fragrant, and vibrant red-purple flowers that bloom in late summer and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide, making it a perfect choice for creating a hedge or a screen. It is native to China but is now widely cultivated in different parts of the world.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus | Buddleja |
Appearance
Buddleja Davidii Royal Red is a vigorous and fast-growing shrub that can reach up to 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide. It has an upright and arching habit with long and flexible stems. The leaves are lance-shaped, gray-green, and about 6 inches long. The flowers are the main attraction of the plant, and they bloom in late summer or early fall. They are fragrant, tubular, and about 6 inches long. The color of the flowers is a vibrant red-purple that fades to a lighter shade as they age.
Care Guide
- Water: Buddleja Davidii Royal Red prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in fall and winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to weak growth and poor flowering.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Sunlight: Buddleja Davidii Royal Red prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Buddleja Davidii Royal Red is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep the plant healthy and well-watered, prune it regularly, and avoid overcrowding.
Habitat
Buddleja Davidii Royal Red is native to China but is now widely cultivated in different parts of the world. It grows in a variety of habitats, including woodland edges, meadows, and rocky slopes. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I prune Buddleja Davidii Royal Red?
A: Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove all the dead, damaged, or diseased wood and cut back the remaining stems to 2 or 3 buds. This will encourage new growth and promote better flowering.Q: Can I grow Buddleja Davidii Royal Red in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow the plant in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the roots and the plant receives adequate sunlight and water.Q: How often should I fertilize Buddleja Davidii Royal Red?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to weak growth and poor flowering.Q: Can I propagate Buddleja Davidii Royal Red from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate the plant from softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a shaded area. Once the cuttings root, transplant them to their permanent location.
Related Plants
- Buddleja Davidii ‘Black Knight’
- Buddleja Davidii ‘Pink Delight’
- Buddleja Davidii ‘White Profusion’
- Buddleja Davidii ‘Nanho Blue’
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Pub. L.L.C.
- Gardner, S., & Sidhu, G. S. (2013). Buddlejas. Timber Press.
- Huxley, A., & Griffiths, M. (1992). The new Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. Macmillan.
