Buddleja Humdinger® Little Angel (Butterfly Bush)

The Buddleja davidii ‘Little Angel’ enchants with dense clusters of pure white, fragrant flowers that form striking contrasts against its dark green foliage. This dwarf butterfly bush cultivar captivates with its compact size and graceful appearance, perfect for adding a splash of elegance to any garden space.

Buddleja ‘Little Angel’: An In-depth Look

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

Plant Type and Habit: This deciduous shrub exhibits a rounded, well-branched habit that is ideal for small gardens or as part of a mixed border. Its dwarf nature allows it to fit into various garden styles without the risk of it taking over.

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 plant boasts long panicles, up to 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), packed with scented, pure white flowers.

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 of gray-green leaves provides a lush backdrop to the white blooms.

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.