Alternate Leafed Butterfly Bush
Buddleia alternifolia
Planted 1964
Butterfly Bush is known for its fragrant, purple flowers that bloom in the spring. This variety blooms earlier than other cultivars, and only on old wood. Because flowers bloom on old wood pruning should be kept to a minimum, and shaping should be done early when it is young. This bush can be trained into a tree if done early and can develop a weeping habit resembling a willow tree.
| Height | Width | Zone | Growth Rate | Water Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-15 ft. | 10-18 ft. | 5-9 | Moderate | Low |
Leaf
Alternate, simple, lanceolate, 1-7 centimeters long, green.
Fruit
Capsule developing in the summer, can be messy.
Flower
Lilac colored, panicles, fragrant. Blooms in the spring and summer, attracts pollinators.
Advantages
Adapts to many different soil types, attracts pollinators, drought tolerant.
Disadvantages
Intolerant of wet conditions, can be difficult to prune and maintain, may be messy.