Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)
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Color Name: Queen of Hearts
The vibrant magenta red flowers of Queen of Hearts are sure to capture the hearts of gardeners everywhere, and the butterflies and hummingbirds will love them too! Large 7-9" long panicles are produced from the top of the plant to the bottom, pointing upward and outward on all sides in late summer and early fall. Smaller secondary flowers extend the show. In addition to its heavy flower production, this plant is also quite short and compact, forming a full, rounded clump that is just a bit wider than it is tall. It is the perfect plant for adding a hot splash of color to the landscape late in the season.
Butterfly Bushes have certainly earned their place in the garden over the years, and its easy to see why. Just when we need a breath of fresh air in the late summer heat, they happily burst into bloom. At a time when many other plants are already spent, buddleias are just beginning their show. Their passive coloring and texture makes a wonderful backdrop for perennials, and you'll love the butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds that flock to their honey-scented blossoms.
Growing Tips: Buddleias should be planted in a full sun location with fertile, moist, well-drained so. Studies have shown that adding lime to the soil will result in increased growth and better floral quality. They are also moderately drought tolerant once established. Since they frequently die all the way back to the ground in northern winters, it is best to cut back all of the old wood to about 12" in the spring. Doing so will result in more compact plants. They will quickly grow back to their normal height by fall and will flower just as prolifically in late summer since they bloom on new wood. You may notice that the flowers tend to be longer and deeper colored in cooler weather. Buddleias tend to break dormancy late in the spring, so don't worry if you don't see anything happening with them when your other shrubs start to leaf-out. These are very durable and reliable plants.
Photo courtesy of Walters Garden, Inc.
The vibrant magenta red flowers of Queen of Hearts are sure to capture the hearts of gardeners everywhere, and the butterflies and hummingbirds will love them too! Large 7-9" long panicles are produced from the top of the plant to the bottom, pointing upward and outward on all sides in late summer and early fall. Smaller secondary flowers extend the show. In addition to its heavy flower production, this plant is also quite short and compact, forming a full, rounded clump that is just a bit wider than it is tall. It is the perfect plant for adding a hot splash of color to the landscape late in the season.
Butterfly Bushes have certainly earned their place in the garden over the years, and its easy to see why. Just when we need a breath of fresh air in the late summer heat, they happily burst into bloom. At a time when many other plants are already spent, buddleias are just beginning their show. Their passive coloring and texture makes a wonderful backdrop for perennials, and you'll love the butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds that flock to their honey-scented blossoms.
Growing Tips: Buddleias should be planted in a full sun location with fertile, moist, well-drained so. Studies have shown that adding lime to the soil will result in increased growth and better floral quality. They are also moderately drought tolerant once established. Since they frequently die all the way back to the ground in northern winters, it is best to cut back all of the old wood to about 12" in the spring. Doing so will result in more compact plants. They will quickly grow back to their normal height by fall and will flower just as prolifically in late summer since they bloom on new wood. You may notice that the flowers tend to be longer and deeper colored in cooler weather. Buddleias tend to break dormancy late in the spring, so don't worry if you don't see anything happening with them when your other shrubs start to leaf-out. These are very durable and reliable plants.
Photo courtesy of Walters Garden, Inc.
Flower Color: Magenta Shades Foliage Color: Green Shades
Height: 2 to 3 Feet Spread: 3 to 4 Feet Hardy in Zone: 5,6,7,8,9,10 |
Blooms: Summer to Fall
Foliage Season: All Season |
Growth Rate |
Rapid
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Attributes |
Fragrant Extended Bloomer Specimen Plant Mass Planting Landscapes Easy to Grow Drought Tolerant Border
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