Butterfly Bush Care and Maintenance

Butterfly bush is a member of the genus Buddleia and the family of the flowering plant Scrophulariaceae. The genus Buddlei includes more than 100 species and cultivars. Most of the species are large shrubs, while a few are trees. The name 'butterfly' has been given to the plant, as it attracts a large number of butterflies. However, the shrub is not only appealing for butterflies, but to bees and hummingbird as well, for its flowers and their nectar. Apart from its unique beauty, butterfly bush is also known as a low maintenance plant, which makes it a favorite for gardening purposes.

Plant Description
Majority of the species that belong to the genus buddleia are large shrubs that reach a height of about 5 meters. However, a few species of butterfly plant can grow up to a height of 30 meters and they are regarded as trees. They can be evergreen or deciduous and usually produce masses of flowers, which can be white, pink, red, yellow, orange and violet, depending on the particular species. The leaves are elongated with a pointed apex and are arranged in opposite pairs on the stem. The flowers occur in clusters, which can be about 10 to 45cm in length and appear in midsummer to fall. Each flower is tubular and contains four petals. The fruits contain numerous seeds and each fruit looks like a capsule, reaching a length of about 1 cm.

Maintenance
It is a low maintenance flowering plant, that can be grown in almost any condition. Additionally, the plant is known to be drought resistant and it can tolerate even highly alkaline soils. Once the plant succeeds to establish itself, it literally does not require much care and maintenance and even tolerates high level of urban pollution. However, it would need some care during the early days till it matures.

Planting
For planting butterfly bushes, the most important factor to be taken into consideration is, that the soil selected for planting the shrub should be well-drained. This shrub can be grown in almost all soil types, provided you keep the soil moist. Places that receive partial to full sun can be selected for planting butterfly bushes. Generally, the places that receive sunlight for at least 8 hours a day are considered ideal for growing butterfly bushes. Before planting the shrub, be sure to till the soil properly to loosen it. Also add or mix 2 to 3 layers of compost or mulch, which would help to retain moisture. Then dig a hole, ideally double the size of the root ball of the shrub and plant it with proper care. After planting it, fill the hole and firm the soil carefully.

Watering
Proper watering plays a key role in ensuring rapid growth of butterfly bush. The plant would need a lot of water during the early days, especially during the hot summer. But, once the shrub establishes itself firmly, its water requirement falls drastically. In such a time, you need not water the shrub frequently. Infrequent watering, once or twice a month would be sufficient for its maintenance, if it completely adapts to the surrounding and the roots become able to hold firmly on the ground.

Pruning
When it comes to pruning, one should keep in mind that the beautiful flowers, which are the main attraction of this plant, grow mostly on new growth. Therefore, many gardeners consider the period of late winter or early spring to be the ideal time for pruning butterfly bushes. They usually prune the plant almost to the ground, when they become dormant in winter. This ensures better and more prolific flowering during the midsummer or fall.

However, the plant can be pruned any time of the year. But, pruning during the late winter ensures that the plant easily recovers during the growing period. Once the winter is over, the butterfly bush grows rapidly, as it is a fast growing plant. At other times of the year, like in spring and summer, only light pruning is required. At this time of the year, just cut off only those branches that grow out of control in order to maintain the shape of the shrub.

To sum up, butterfly bush is a low maintenance, fast growing plant. As far as plant care is concerned, just remember to maintain adequate soil moisture in the early days of growth and proper pruning. In return, the shrub will adorn your garden with those delicate pink, white, violet or red blossoms, which will attract a lot of butterflies, bees, and occasionally, even hummingbirds to your garden, to create a really appealing sight to behold.