The summer lilac (Buddleja davidii) is a strong-growing, broadly upright shrub that is known for its magnificent flowers. Hardly any other shrub is visited as much by butterflies and other moths, hoverflies, bumblebees and bees as this one.

The summer lilac likes it warm and sunny

Which location does the summer lilac prefer?

The summer lilac feels most comfortable in a sunny, warm location. The shrub is very heat-tolerant and produces the most beautiful flowers even where it is simply too hot for other plants. However, if such a location is not available, you can also position Buddleja in the light penumbra.

Which soil is suitable for summer lilac?

Buddleia does best in moderately dry, well-drained soil enriched with compost or topsoil when planted. Garden soils with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH value are best suited.

When is the best time to plant summer lilac?

Young summer lilacs in particular should be planted in spring - preferably after the last night frosts in May. Then the shrub has enough time over the summer months to acclimate to its new location.

Can summer lilacs also be cultivated in pots?

In general, the summer lilac is both fast and strong-growing: most varieties are between three and four meters high and often just as wide. However, there are also dwarf variants that can be easily cultivated in a bucket, such as the purple-flowered Buddleja davidii 'Summer Beauty'.

What is the best way to plant summer lilacs?

When planting the summer lilac, it is best to proceed as follows:

  • Find a suitable location.
  • Place the root ball in a bucket of water so that it can soak.
  • Dig a sufficiently large planting hole.
  • This should be twice the size of the root ball.
  • If the soil is too heavy, improve it with sand.
  • Mix the spoil with a large shovel of mature compost.
  • Plant the summer lilac and tread down the potting soil well.

When planting, make sure that the shrub is planted just as high or deep in the ground as it was in the pot.

What planting distance should be maintained?

Many varieties can grow up to three meters wide, which is why you should always pay attention to an appropriate planting distance when planting. However, because the lower part is often bare, summer lilac can be planted very well with other perennials or flowers.

What is the best way to propagate summer lilac?

The varietal propagation takes place via herbaceous cuttings, which you cut in June / July and immediately plant in a pot with seed soil. The cuttings should be about 15 to 20 centimeters long. Otherwise, the shrub tends to self-seed, with the results usually being similar to the wild form.

When does summer lilac bloom?

Most varieties flower between July and September.

tips

Young specimens in particular are sensitive to frost and need light winter protection. However, after slight frost damage, they will thrive again.

Category:

Herbs