Overview

Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red' is a shrub in the genus Buddleja, part of the Scrophulariaceae family. Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and wildlife 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 moisture
moderate
Exposure
sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
shrub
Suggested uses
borders, wildlife gardens
Native to
China
Fragrance
mildly fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red'

Cultivation
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Pruning
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Propagation
softwood cuttings in spring or hardwood cuttings in autumn

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red'?

Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Where is the best place to plant Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red'?

Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red' need?

Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red' grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.

How do I prune Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red'?

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Is Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red' hardy in the UK?

Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red' 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 'Royal Red'?

Softwood cuttings in spring or hardwood cuttings in autumn.

From the Fenn Plants journal