Species butterfly bush
Dark-purple flowers, green leaves, and dark-purple apical bud on the green stem.

butterfly bush

Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight'

The butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight') is truly an amazing plant species. During the summer, it produces fragrant clusters of deep purple, cone-shaped blooms that attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds with its sweet aroma. Its lush foliage is celebrated for its unique dark-purple color that provides an interesting contrast to its bright blossoms. Due to its drought-tolerance, easy-care requirements, and low maintenance, this is an ideal choice for gardeners with limited time and resources. Additionally, the butterfly bush requires little pruning, making it great for beginning gardeners as well. With its unique characteristics and easy maintenance, the butterfly bush is a must for any backyard garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings,Hardwood Cuttings,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Lilac to purple with orange throat Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

purple,black Fruits In Autumn Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

purple,black

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight') should be watered once a week, unless there is continuous rain, in which case additional watering will not be needed. Water deeply and thoroughly, to ensure that the entire root system is saturated. Make sure to avoid over-watering - typically a 2 - 3 inch (5 - 8 cm) layer of mulch around the base of the bush can help retain soil moisture, and will also help to keep the root zone cool in hot weather.

sunlight

The butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight') requires full sun to ensure optimal growth. This sun-loving shrub should receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight each day for lush blooms. The best time for the butterfly bush to receive full sun is during the morning and afternoon when the sun is at its strongest. Planting the butterfly bush in an area located on the south or west side of your home can help it get the most of the sun's rays. To keep your butterfly bush looking its best, be sure to prune it back each winter and keep the soil it's planted in moist and free of weeds.

pruning

For pruning butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight'), it is best to prune in early spring before new growth begins. Remove about 1/3 of the older canes and any dead, diseased, or broken branches, and thin out any crowded branches. This will help promote a healthier, more vigorous shrub. To maintain a compact form, lightly trim the shrub after it blooms in late summer and early fall.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' is in August and September.

Starts Flowering

Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Starts Flowering

Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' is in August and September.

Hardiness Map