Sunday, 9 March 2014

Buddleia davidii: Butterfly Bush

This Butterfly Bush self seeded in my garden in Hertfordshire. They grow on waste and disturbed ground often along coasts and railway embankments. My house is located next to Baldock railway station and many are found nearby.  They are robust shrubby perennials with long, arching branches. They require very little care and can grow in places with minimal soil, nutrients and water. Often found growing out of small cracks in walls and pavements.


This is a fairly mature butterfly bush that has been pruned many times as it is a very fast spreading shrub. It has a thick base with multiple stems growing out. 


The flowers 3-4mm across and during June-September are a vibrant pinkish, purple colour in long spikes. These are very attractive to butterflies. The leaves are long and narrow and are darker on top.

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