Overview
Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' is a shrub shrub in the genus Buddleja, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, wildlife gardens and butterfly gardens. It is native to China.
About
Buddleja davidii, also called butterfly-bush, orange eye, or summer lilac, is a species of flowering plant in the family Scrophulariaceae, native to most of China except for the far northeast. It is widely used as an ornamental plant, and many named cultivars are in cultivation.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Buddleja davidii
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
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- West-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, wildlife gardens, butterfly gardens
- Native to
- China
- Fragrance
- mildly fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Prune in early spring to maintain shape and encourage flowering.
- Pruning
- Prune hard in early spring to promote vigorous growth and flowering.
- Propagation
- softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight'?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Prune in early spring to maintain shape and encourage flowering.
Where is the best place to plant Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight'?
Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' need?
Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight'?
Prune hard in early spring to promote vigorous growth and flowering.
Is Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' hardy in the UK?
Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' 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 davidii 'Black Knight'?
Softwood cuttings in early summer.