About

Buddleja forrestii is a substantial deciduous shrub, reaching heights of approximately 4 meters. It features young leaves that are pale green and covered in a soft down on the underside. During late summer to early autumn, this plant produces aromatic flowers, typically pale lilac, arranged in elongated cylindrical clusters measuring about 25 centimeters in length.

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
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Fragrance
Flower

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun in a sheltered location out of cold winds. Best in warmer counties or city locations. Can be wall-trained on a warm sunny wall. See buddleja cultivation for more detailed advice
Pruning
Pruning group 6
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe 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