Illustrative photo.
Buddleja alternifolia fountain butterfly bush
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
2-4m
usual width
2-3m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
June-July
location
full sun
soil type
any (acidic to alkaline)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
5 (down to -29°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant:
Fountain butterfly bush is a lovely form of a popular butterfly bush, with arching, almost weeping branches that can touch the ground after a few years of growing. This deciduous shrub comes from China and is cultivated for abundance of lilac-violet flowers that are clustered along its arching branches. Unlike the common butterfly bush these are borne on previous year’s wood so any sort of pruning should happen right after flowering in early to midsummer. Leaves are mid green or grey green, lanceolate, up to 7 cm long. Fountain butterfly bush is a fast grower of an uneven, almost wild habit. For a more formal and neat appearance regular pruning is recommended. Keep a solid framework of strong branches and remove all weak and thin twigs. The plant will quickly make new growths and fill itself up. It is easy to grow as it loves poor, gritty soil and no extra fertilizing or watering. Just make sure it is placed in full sun. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).
Last update 04-02-2013
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