Overview
Buddleja alternifolia is a bushy deciduous shrub in the genus Buddleja, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Buddleja alternifolia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental and wildlife garden. It is native to China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai and Tibet.
About
Buddleja alternifolia, known as alternate-leaved butterfly-bush, is a species of flowering plant in the figwort family, which is endemic to Gansu, China. A substantial deciduous shrub growing to 4 metres (13 ft) tall and wide, it bears grey-green leaves and graceful pendent racemes of scented lilac flowers in summer.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Buddleja alternifolia
About the genus
Buddleja is a genus comprising over 140 species of flowering plants endemic to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The generic name bestowed by Linnaeus posthumously honoured Adam Buddle (1662–1715), an English botanist and rector, at the suggestion of William Houstoun. Houstoun sent the first plants to become known to science as buddleja to England from the Caribbean about 15 years after Buddle's death.
Wikipedia contributors, "Buddleja", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Buddleja
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Buddleja
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Buddleja alternifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- deciduous shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- ornamental, wildlife garden
- Native to
- China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Tibet
- Fragrance
- scented
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Buddleja alternifolia
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Tolerates drought once established.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Propagation
- softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Capsid bugs, Caterpillars, Earwigs, Figwort weevils, Glasshouse red spider mite, Leaf and bud eelworm, Mullein moth
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Fungal leaf spot, Virus diseases
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Buddleja alternifolia?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Tolerates drought once established.
Where is the best place to plant Buddleja alternifolia?
Buddleja alternifolia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Buddleja alternifolia need?
Buddleja alternifolia grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Buddleja alternifolia?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Is Buddleja alternifolia hardy in the UK?
Buddleja alternifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Buddleja alternifolia?
Softwood cuttings in early summer.
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