Weyer's Butterfly Bush
Buddleja (bud-LAY-yah why-er-ee-AH-nah)
Weyer's butterfly bush is a large, multi-stemmed, broadleaf deciduous, hybrid shrub. It was produced by the artificial cross between B. davidii x B. globosa and is a member of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). This shrub can grow from 5 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide and has an arching and spreading habit. It has fragrant, yellow or creamed colored flowers with orange centers that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. This hybrid was developed by Major William van de Weyer of Dorset, United Kingdom in 1920. This plant prefers full sun and average, well-drained, loamy soil. It is intolerant to wet or poorly drained soils. If properly amended, it will adapt to clay soils. If full sun is not provided, the shrub can become weedy and have diminished flowering. This hybrid is not as winter hardy as other Buddlejas. It may die back to the roots in zones 5b or 6. It is best grown in a protected area and mulched well. For the best plant performance and better shape and appearance, prune the shrub back close to the ground in the late winter. Blooming occurs on both old and new wood; therefore, flowering will not be affected. Deadheading of spent flowers will encourage reblooming. 'Golden Glow' was the original hybrid ( B. davidii x B. globosa ) developed by Major William van de Weyer. It generally grows 4 to 6 feet tall and has an upright to spreading habit. This hybrid has stronger and more erect branches but produces smaller flowers then the cultivars of D. davidii . Its leaves are lanceolate, dark green, and its flowers are fragrant, yellowish-orange and are arranged in 4 to 6 inch long panicles, making them attractive as cut flowers. There are a number of cultivars of this hybrid. They are fertile and produce many seeds. There have been also been many back-crossed hybrids developed (meaning a hybrid repeatedly crossed with one of its parents.) Consider this hybrid or any of its offspring for use in a butterfly garden or cottage garden. Small groupings or mass plantings in borders are also recommended. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems : Exhibits no serious insect or disease problems. Monitor for aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. May be susceptible to root rot, downy mildew, or leaf spot. More information on Buddleja .
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 55 attributes.
How it fits the guild