Butterfly Bush

The Buddleia, which many may know by its common names of summer lilac and butterfly bush, is a great favorite of mine. Its bloom resembles dainty sprays of lilac and its fragrance is so penetrating that it attracts myriads of butterflies.

But the shrub’s virtues do not end here. Though it dies back to the ground every winter, it comes up in larger clumps year after year. It is hardy and survives our extremely cold Iowa winters without mulch although I do plant them in spots protected from north winds and the cold.

Butterfly bush is not fussy as to soil but responds to a good soaking in very dry weather. It is a leggy shrub so I plant low-growing chrysanthemums or phlox around its feet. Its blooming period lasts for many weeks and its flowers come in a long range of lavenders to dark purple as well as white through pinks down to deep reds.

Versatility in arrangements is what rates the butterfly bush tops with me, though I seldom see others use its sprays for that purpose. Its delicate blossoms combine well with heavier flowers. An arrangement of deep purple Buddleia and white glads or white Buddleia with pink or red roses makes a picture not soon to be forgotten.

by R. Gordner

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