Don't be fooled by its name: the summer lilac (Buddleja) is not related to the real lilac (Syringa). The ornamental shrub comes from the subtropical and tropical regions of the world and is considered a neophyte in Europe due to its propensity to reproduce.
The summer lilac likes it warm and sunny
Buddleia loves the sun
In accordance with its origin, the summer lilac, which is swarmed by a striking number of butterflies, loves warm and sunny locations in particular, where it can really show off its lush flowers. At best, depending on the variety, the shrub, which can grow up to four meters high and just as wide, also stands on well-drained, light soil. Ideally, you have also enriched this with mature compost before planting. If there is no full sun available, the summer lilac also thrives in light semi-shade - but it must not be shady, and the plant does not like heavy, loamy soil either.
Location depends on variety
Furthermore, the optimal location for the summer lilac still depends on the species and variety. Many popular varieties - for example Buddleja davidii with its cultivated forms - are quite undemanding and also thrive on poor, gravelly soil. Others - such as the yellow summer lilac (Buddleja x weyeriana) and the ball summer lilac (Buddleja globosa) are very sensitive to frost and should therefore not be planted in the garden. In a sufficiently large planter, however, these varieties are in very good hands.
Design options with summer lilac
The summer lilac is suitable for planting perennial beds and borders as well as for use as a solitary plant. Since the ornamental shrub is often bare in the lower area, it can be planted very well with lower perennials or summer flowers.
tips
Caution: Summer lilacs need a lot of space! Depending on the variety, the shrubs grow up to four meters high and just as wide - if you don't want to cut them back all the time, you should already take the expected size into account when choosing the location.