About

Buddleja davidii 'Sophie' PBR is a bushy, deciduous shrub that typically reaches a height of approximately 1.2 meters. It features a spreading growth habit and has narrow, oval leaves that are deep green in color. From early summer through autumn, the plant produces elongated clusters of fragrant, pale purple flowers at the ends of its stems.

About the genus

Buddleja comprises evergreen and deciduous shrubs, and in some cases, it can also be found as small trees or scrambling climbers. The foliage consists of simple leaves, and the plants produce clusters of small, tubular flowers that emit a pleasant fragrance.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Fragrance
Flower

Care notes

Cultivation
Thrives in a sunny, well-drained situation, though will tolerate partial shade. Protect from strong winds and excess winter wet. See buddleja cultivation for more detailed advice
Pruning
Pruning group 6; can be cut back to a framework in early spring. Deadhead after flowering
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, or by hardwood cuttings in autumn
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, capsid bugs, caterpillars, earwigs, figwort weevils, glasshouse red spider mite, leaf and bud eelworm, and mullein moth
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus, fungal leaf spot, and virus diseases