Buddleja x weyeriana 'SUNGOLD'

Buddleja is better known as butterfly bush. The reason is obvious – from summer until early autumn it produces scented flowers that attract winged insects, mostly butterflies. If you are not yet aware of how many butterfly species you can get in your part of the world get one buddleja and in a few weeks you can apply for a doctor’s degree in butterflies!

Sungold butterfly bush dates back to 1960’s when it was bred in the Netherlands as a sport of Golden Glow. It has mid-sized panicles of rounded clusters with yellow, tubular, sweetly scented flowers from first half of summer until the last hot days of early autumn. Deciduous leaves are broadly lanceolate, deep green, and slightly hairy. The shrub is a fast grower making arching branches that look best if regularly pruned every year in spring. Cut back last year’s growths to 20-30 cm before the buds begin to swell but after all frosts.

Butterfly bush requires little care. Plant it in full sun, in well-drained humus-rich soil. It will die in boggy soil after winter. This one is hardy to about -25°C (USDA zone 6), however, it performs better in warmer locations. We suggest purchasing older plants with mature wood if designed for borderline areas of its hardiness.

Last update 07-03-2013