Lindley Butterfly Bush

Buddleja lindleyana (bud-LAY-yah lind-lay-AH-nah)

Family: Scrophulariaceae Non-native Shrub (3-15 ft)

Lindley butterfly bush was introduced into the United States in the 1800s and is a relatively obscure species. It is a large deciduous shrub or small tree with a weeping habit, shiny green leaves, and lavender flowers arranged on two-foot-long pendulous panicles. This plant is native to Southern China and found along roadsides and railroad embankments. It is a member of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soils, but tolerates a range of soil types. Flowers appear on new growth, so prune in late winter to early spring. It spreads easily by suckers and can be weedy. Propagate it from semi-hardwood cuttings or root suckers in the summer. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant but benefits from a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch each year. Deadhead to encourage more blooms This shrub grows up to 5 to 8 feet tall and equally as wide with a rounded habit and arching branches. The leaves are green, ovate, and pointed tips, and the showy, fragrant purple flowers appear in clusters from summer through fall, attracting pollinators. Use this shrub in a border or as a hedge in a butterfly, pollinator, or cottage garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for aphids, capsid bugs, earwigs, figwort weevils, spider mites, and whiteflies that can be a problem when the plant is under drought stress. Nematodes are a problem in the coastal plains. Possible diseases include honey fungus, fungal leaf spot, and viruses. The plant produces some suckers and can spread into neighboring areas. More information on Buddleja .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 69 attributes.