Alternate Leaf Butterfly Bush

Buddleja alternifolia (bud-LAY-yah al-ter-nih-FOH-lee-ah)

Family: Scrophulariaceae Non-native Understory (15-40 ft)

Fountain butterfly bush is a large, multi-stemmed, broadleaf, deciduous shrub that can be trained as a small tree with a single trunk. It has long, graceful, pendulous, and arching stems that resemble a weeping willow. The shrub usually grows up to 8 to 15 feet tall and 10 to 18 feet wide. It is easy distinguish from other Buddleja's because its narrow grayish-green leaves that are alternately arranged rather than opposite. The blooms appear on the previous year's wood and are clusters of sweetly, fragrant, lilac-purple flowers. This shrub is the most winter hardy species of the Buddleja. This plant is native to Tibet and North and East Central China and is usually found in thickets along river banks or dry river beds. It is a member of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). The specific epithet, alternifolia , means alternate leaves. For the best flowering, this shrub should be planted in full sun. It may be planted in partial shade, but it will likely have reduced flowering. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including dry soil, poor soils, or clay, but prefers loose, organic-rich, well-drained soil. It is intolerant of wet conditions. This shrub has a good heat and drought tolerance once established. It is hardy to USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 to 9. For minor shaping, it is best to prune this shrub lightly in the late spring or early summer after flowering is completed. Since it blooms on previous year's wood, no more than one-third of oldest stems should be removed. To produce a weeping habit, it is best to grow this plant as a single trunk. This shrub may be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The leaves are simple, lance-shaped, alternately arranged, dark green to silvery green on the upper surface, and gray tomentose on the undersides. The flowers are small, tubular, and lilac-purple. They appear as short clusters that up to 2 inches long and 1.25 inches wide. The flower clusters are then tightly packed and spirally arranged along the branchlet to make it appear as one long panicle. Flowering occurs from late spring to early summer. The fountain butterfly bush is a popular garden shrub and may be used as a shrub border or foundation planting. Consider using it in a butterfly garden or cottage garden to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Exhibits no serious insect or disease problems. It may be susceptible to aphids, capsid bugs, caterpillars, earwigs, figwort weevils, and spider mites. Potential diseases include honey fungus, leaf spot, and viruses. More information on Buddleja .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 62 attributes.