Buddleja davidii 'DARTMOOR'

Buddleja is better known as butterfly bush. The reason is obvious – from early summer when it starts blooming until early autumn it produces large, scented flowers that attract winged insects, mostly butterflies. Dartmoor is an exceptional variety of butterfly bush that was found in southwestern county Devon, England, and introduced in 1973.

Dartmoor buddleja is unique for its flower panicles which are not simple as on other buddlejas, but composed of several panicles forming a large, compound inflorescence typical to some subtropical species such as millettia. Individual flowers are small, tubular, rich lilac pink with pale lavender tones. Dartmoor buddleja blooms from late June until late September and is highly fragrant.

The shrub grows wider than tall, initially upright but arching under the weight of flowers in summer. Deciduous leaves are lanceolate, hairy as they emerge, mid green above and silver on the reverse, without a significant autumn colour change.

Butterfly bush requires little care. Still, we strongly recommend hard pruning every spring to low permanent framework when buds begin to swell. Plant it in full sun, in well-drained humus-rich soil. It will die in boggy soil after winter. Though hardy to -27°C (USDA zone 5) it performs better in warmer zones. We suggest buying older plants with woody framework for planting in colder areas.

Last update 21-01-2019