Buddleja Humdinger® Lavender Cupcake (Butterfly Bush)

Buddleja davidii ‘Lavender Cupcake’ presents a mass of fragrant, light lavender purple blooms that cluster into dense, conical spikes. Its flowers are particularly prized for their long-lasting bloom and their ability to attract a plethora of beneficial insects to the garden.

Buddleja ‘Lavender Cupcake’: An In-depth Look

Native: This plant is a cultivar of Buddleja davidii, native to China. ‘Lavender Cupcake’, like many cultivars, was bred for specific horticultural traits.

Plant Type and Habit: This deciduous shrub is characterized by an upright and somewhat rounded habit. It’s well-suited for the back of a border or as a focal plant, thanks to its showy flowers and pleasant structure.

Size: This is a more compact variety, typically reaching 3 to 4 feet in height (90-120 cm) and 4 to 5 feet in spread (120-150 cm), which makes it suitable for smaller gardens or spaces where a full-sized butterfly bush would be too large.

Flowers: The flowers are the standout feature of this plant, with their calming lavender purple color and strong fragrance. The long panicles, up to 12 inches (30 cm), are particularly effective at drawing in pollinators from all around.

Bloom Time: The blooming period extends from mid-summer into the autumn, providing a long-lasting display of color and interest. This extended blooming season is one of the reasons butterfly bushes are so prized in the garden.

Foliage: The foliage is a gray-green color, which offers a subtle backdrop to the vibrant blooms and remains an attractive feature even when the plant is not in flower.

Uses: With its moderate size and attractive features, this butterfly bush is well-suited for a variety of garden applications. It works well when planted in butterfly gardens, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, or city gardens in mixed borders or as a specimen plant, providing both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits.

Hardiness: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-10, showcasing its ability to withstand a variety of climates.

Pollinators: The flowers attract various pollinators, especially bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Toxicity: There is no known toxicity associated with this plant, making it safe for planting in gardens and communal spaces.

Deer and Rabbit: Butterfly bush is generally resistant to deer, making it a hassle-free choice for gardeners contending with these critters.

Drought: This plant shows a good level of drought tolerance once established, though regular watering during prolonged dry spells will encourage better growth and flowering.

Invasiveness: Buddleja davidii varieties have been known to be invasive in certain areas, spreading via their numerous seeds.

• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Butterfly Bush Growing Tips

Light: Full sun is ideal for Buddleja; it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to flourish and produce abundant flowers.

Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial. Buddleja is adaptable to various soil types but thrives in soil enriched with organic matter.

Water: Establish a regular watering schedule. Buddleja is somewhat drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture, especially in the first growing season.

Fertilizer: This plant needs no fertilizer other than a thin layer of compost spread over the root zone each spring.

Pruning: Prompt removal of spent flower spikes will usually promote blooms until frost. Prune in early to mid-spring to allow time for the new growth to mature and flower in the same year. Avoid pruning in winter, as it may lead to frost damage of new shoots.

Propagation: Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn or by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer

Pests and Diseases: Watch out for aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Buddleja can also be affected by root rot, downy mildew, and leaf spot.