Buddleja × weyeriana ‘Bicolor’ (Butterfly Bush)

Buddleja × weyeriana ‘Bicolor’ or ‘Flower Power’ (Butterfly Bush) is a remarkable shrub, renowned for its unique and striking two-toned flowers, blending lavender and orange hues, creating a vibrant display. This butterfly magnet not only adds visual interest to your garden but also supports local pollinators, contributing to biodiversity. Its fragrant blooms and robust nature, with resistance to deer and ability to adapt to various conditions, make it a low-maintenance choice. Adding this plant to your landscape guarantees a splash of color and an enchanting atmosphere throughout its blooming season.

Buddleja ‘Bicolor’: An In-depth Look

Buddleja ‘Bicolor’ is a deciduous shrub renowned for its two-toned flower panicles. It showcases an elegant display of purple and orange blooms, which gracefully adorn its branches.

Native: Buddleja × weyeriana ‘Bicolor’ is not a native plant to any specific region as it is a hybrid cultivar.

Plant Type and Habit: It is a woody shrub with a rounded and spreading habit, known for its rapid growth and ability to quickly establish itself in a variety of settings.

Size: This butterfly bush reaches a height and spread of 6-8 feet (180-240 cm), creating a substantial presence in the garden.

Flowers: The flowers are its most striking feature, presenting in panicles, up to 10 inches (25 cm) long, with a unique combination of deep purple and bright orange hues. They are tubular and fragrant, attracting a variety of pollinators.

Bloom Time: Budding in late summer, the plant provides a long-lasting floral display that extends into the fall, offering a prolonged period of interest.

Foliage: The leaves are lance-shaped, with a grey-green color, and they provide a lush backdrop to the vibrant blooms.

Uses: This shrub is ideal for 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 are known to 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: While not completely resistant, Buddleja ‘Bicolor’ is relatively unattractive to deer, making it a good choice in areas where these animals are prevalent.

Drought: Once established, it exhibits moderate drought tolerance.

Invasiveness: While some Buddleja species have been known to be invasive, Buddleja ‘Bicolor’ does not typically pose this risk, although it is always wise to monitor its growth and spread.

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 from semi-hardwood cuttings

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