About

Buddleja megalocephala is a bushy, deciduous shrub that can reach heights of up to 2 meters. Its leaves are lance-shaped, covered in a soft, silver-grey fuzz. In late spring, it produces clusters of fragrant, small orange flowers. This species thrives best in the milder regions of the UK, as it has limited hardiness in colder climates.

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
Sand, Chalk, Loam, Clay
Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

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

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. See buddleja cultivation for more detailed advice
Pruning
Pruning group 6
Propagation
Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn, or by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
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