About
A scrambling evergreen shrub with elliptic or obovate leaves and terminal panicles of pale blue flowers with dark violet lower petal and long-exserted stamens in summer and autumn.
About the genus
Rotheca is a genus of shrubs, sub-shrubs and perennial herbs, often with an unpleasant smell when crushed. Flowers are almost butterfly shaped, hence its common name of Butterfly Bush. Flowers can be a mixture of white, blues, pinks and purples.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toTrop. Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun and good ventilation in the summer. Water freely in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter
PruningPruning group 11
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer or root cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free