This neophyte, which comes from Asia, can often be found in front yards and gardens, but also in parks, on embankments or even in the wild. In contrast to many other introduced plant species, Buddleja, as the ornamental shrub is scientifically called, turns out to be an extremely popular pasture for numerous insects, above all butterflies, bees and bumblebees. For this reason, do not hesitate to plant this beautiful and easy-care shrub in your garden - we recommend setting up an insect hotel in the immediate vicinity. Incidentally, small species can also be cultivated in a bucket.
Depending on the variety, summer lilac flowers are violet, red, pink or white
Buddleia - a brief overview
- Botanical name: Buddleja
- Genus: Buddleia
- Family: Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae)
- Common names: butterfly bush
- Origin and Distribution: Subtropical and tropical regions of America, Africa and Asia
- Growth form: shrubby or tree, slightly or strongly overhanging
- Growth height: depending on the species between 200 and 500 cm
- Typical features: Flowers have a strong attraction for insects, v. a. Butterflies, bees, bumblebees
- Location: sunny to light semi-shade
- Soil: moderately dry, well drained
- Flowers: Arranged in panicles up to 30 centimeters long
- Flower colors: various shades of pink and purple, white
- Flowering time: mostly between July and September / beginning of October
- Leaves: oblong, toothed, dull green; deciduous
- Use: Ornamental shrub in gardens and parks, as a specimen plant, in groups, as a hedge or (small varieties) in pots
- Toxicity: little toxic, toxins mainly in leaves and seeds
- Hardiness: depending on the variety
Characterization, species and varieties
The summer or butterfly bush is a busy summer bloomer that is usually grown as a shrub or semi-shrub. It bears a strong resemblance to the common lilac, which, however, flowers as early as May. Both species exude a strong scent that is irresistible to insects in particular. Depending on the species, the summer lilac can grow up to 500 centimeters high and up to 300 centimeters wide.
No relation to the common lilac
Despite their similarity, summer lilac and common lilac are not related. Both species belong to different genera. The two best-known species of summer lilac, Buddleja davidii and Buddleja alternifolia, also differ in their flowering and growth behavior. While the former blooms well into autumn, the Chinese or alternate summer lilac shows its blooms between May and June. In addition, B. davidii flowers on the young shoots, while B. alternifolia develops them on the previous year's shoots - this information plays an important role, especially when pruning.
tips
The summer lilac is quite undemanding when it comes to soil and care. However, if he is doing well, he multiplies very quickly. For this reason, to prevent spread, you should remove the bud sites immediately after flowering. Cutting cuttings is recommended for targeted, varietal propagation.