Overview
Buddleja davidii 'Thundercloud' is a bushy, shrub shrubs in the genus Buddleja, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Buddleja davidii 'Thundercloud' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and wildlife gardens.
About
Buddleja davidii 'Thundercloud' is a deciduous shrub cultivar within the Buddleja genus, known for its bushy habit. As a member of the Scrophulariaceae family, it thrives best in fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH, ideally in a sheltered, sunny position facing south, west, or east. This cultivar is hardy to UK zone H5 and is suitable for borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife gardens. It is best propagated by semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer and offers seasonal interest during spring and summer with its fragrant clusters of tubular flowers.
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
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Buddleja davidii 'Thundercloud' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Shrub
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Cottage gardens, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Buddleja davidii 'Thundercloud'
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in 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
Where is the best place to plant Buddleja davidii 'Thundercloud'?
Buddleja davidii 'Thundercloud' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Buddleja davidii 'Thundercloud' need?
Buddleja davidii 'Thundercloud' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Buddleja davidii 'Thundercloud' hardy in the UK?
Buddleja davidii 'Thundercloud' 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 'Thundercloud'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.