Butterfly Bush (Buddleia hybrid)

Butterfly bush is a fast growing plant that has shoots that grow to 6 – 8 feet. It has a very pleasant fragrant and the shrub is vibrant throughout summer and autumn. This plant is blessed with such an appealing fruity scent that everyone who plants it gets addicted to its beauty and aroma.

Butterfly bush does very well in hot conditions and is not at all demanding in terms of care. The shrub requires a moderately average soil. This pleasant plant can however be invasive and therefore you need to liaise with your local cooperative extension before you embark on planting it.

Once you are ready to plant this species; observe the following:

· The soil should be well drained and fertile

· Full sun

· Best time to plant is in spring or fall

· Ensure that the soil is loose; add compost manure and the hole should be two times the plant container

· Spacing should be 5 to 10 feet

· Be generous with the watering

Butterfly bush does not require so much water but for the period of growth. During summer this plant should be sparingly watered unless rainfall falls short of 1 inch weekly.

Since you are likely to be planting butterfly bush for its beautiful flowers; do not fertilize the soil so much as this encourages growth of leaves at the expense of flowers.

In order to have new shoots and flowers growing; always remove flower spikes regularly. It is also wise to encourage moisture retention by mulching and applying some compost to your plant every spring.

Butterfly bush tends to die back during cold seasons but it comes back to life as soon as the sun is up.

It is possible for the butterfly bush to abundantly bloom in its first year. The butterfly bush needs to be cut back to the ground every year whether or not they die back.

Butterfly bush is susceptible to the following pests:

Caterpillar

Mullein moth

Spider mites

Capsid bugs

Weevils and

Fungal leaf spots