It's time to plan now for visitors to your late–summer garden. If you haven't planted Buddleia (butterfly bush) because it gets out of hand and flops all over its neighbors, it's time to try again. Old varieties were quite rangy, and it seemed that, no matter what we did, they would encroach on their neighbors and offer only the bare minimum in flowers. I'm pleased to say there are some new Buddleia in town.

One of them is Lo & Behold Blue Chip, one of the shortest of the bunch but no less floriferous. It's bloomed profusely for the past three years with only a couple hours of sun. While its flower panicles are shorter than most, they're fragrant and deeply colored. Another butterfly champion is Buddleia Miss Ruby. I'd at first thought I wouldn't like a pink Buddleia, but the deep raspberry–colored blossoms impart a summery feel that's welcome in early September. Miss Ruby matures to a compact four feet tall, and mixes wonderfully with New England Aster Alma Potschke, which is covered in bright neon rose pink daisy–like flowers in early fall.

Full article: http://www.nwitimes.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/article_f224c89b-672c-5d9a-9479-f69b77287d60.html

(Posted Saturday 28th May)

B.globosa bears little resemblance to Buddleia davidii having (as the name suggests) roundish yellow/orange flowers that are about 2cm wide, it grows 5 to 15 feet tall and the flowers have a strong sweet scent but seems not to be just as attractive to butterflies as B.davidii.  This may be because the sucrose content of the nectar is relatively low compared to B.davidii and butterflies like high sucrose content nectar.  Having said that, B.globoso makes a nice visual addition to any garden, and is still good news for butterflies.

There is a nice historical reference to Buddleia globosa in "The Magazine of domestic economy" from 1837

"My Buddlea was every spring covered with its golden balls, and grew so quickly that I scarcely knew what to do with it. I am surprised this beautiful shrub is not more common; it is perfectly hardy even as a standard, it will remove well even when it has attained a considerable size; it is very easily raised by layers, and there is an air of grandeur about it, both as to leaves and flowers, that raises it above the common flowering surubs of our gardens."
 
So if you want something that is visualy historically a little different and a talking point with the neighbours, consider Buddleia globosa.

(Posted Thursday 26th May)

Caring for Buddleia davidii

Buddleia davidii is a medium sized deciduous, semi green shrub which originates from south and south East Asia. The shrub can grow in many countries as long as the temperature does not go below -15C. This plant can be of many important benefits around homes. For butterfly lovers, this plant attracts butterflies and can be great bait for butterflies in your home. In fact, the plant is also called the butterfly bush because of its ability to attract butterflies in large numbers. The plant is able to do this because it is extremely rich in nectar which is a source of food for many insects in addition to butterflies. If you are insect lover kind of a person, it is only logical that you would take great care of this plant to be seeing insects flocking to your place.

 Of course the first thing you will start with is planting the plant if you do not have one at your place. Buddleia davidii should be planted in well draining soils in direct sunlight. However, the sunlight should not be too hot for example the summer heat. At such time, you can shade the plant a lit bit to avoid damages. On the other hand, if you live in extremely cold regions, you should put measure in place to ensure that the plant grows well. You can put 4-6 inch mulch around the plant during such times to protect it from the cold temperatures. However, it is not a must to add mulch around the plant as it can survive on its own as long as the temperature does not go too low as mentioned above. The soil around the plant should be maintained moist especially in the first year. Ensure that the soil does not become water logged as it could easily compromise the growth of the plant. It is always advisable to allow the soil around the plant to dry completely before adding more water. This way, the soil cannot become water logged.

Always ensure that Buddleia davidii plant has enough nutrients. You can add compost manure or fertilizer to the plant from time to time to make sure that it has sufficient nutrients. Compost manure should be preferred over fertilizer because it does not contain any chemicals that may harm the plant. You can be making your own compost manure using foliage and leaves from plants around your house. To ensure that the plant grows well, you can do some pruning at least once a year. Pruning of this plant should be done in the last months of winter which basically means around January or February. This process should reduce the Buddleia davidii plant to the ground. The plant will start growing all over again as soon as the spring season sets in. Unsure that weeding is done according for proper growth. With these important factors and hand, you are assured that Buddleia davidii shrub will grow successfully and will meet you requirement; attracting insects to your place.