Buddleia 'Santana' PP12383

Common Name: Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac

An exciting new variegated butterfly bush with green leaves edged in bright yellow. They set off the purple-red flower panicles nicely from late summer well into fall.

Butterfly Bushes have certainly earned their place in the garden over the years, and its easy to see why. Just when we need a breath of fresh air in the late summer heat, they happily burst into bloom. At a time when many other plants are already spent, buddleias are just beginning their show. Their passive coloring and texture makes a wonderful backdrop for perennials, and you'll love the butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds that flock to their honey-scented blossoms.

Height:

6.0 Feet

Spread:

5.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

5,6,7,8,9,10

Flower Color:

Purple-red shades

Foliage Color:

Variegated

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Summer Early Fall Mid Fall Late Fall

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Growth Rate:

Rapid

Garden Style:

Asian Eclectic

Other Features:

Border Plant Drought Tolerant Fragrant Flowers Fragrant Foliage Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Buddleias should be planted in a full sun location with fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Studies have shown that adding lime to the soil will result in increased growth and better floral quality. They are also moderately drought tolerant once established.

Since they frequently die all the way back to the ground in northern winters, it is best to cut back all of the old wood to about 12" in the spring. Doing so will result in more compact plants. They will quickly grow back to their normal height by fall and will flower just as prolifically in late summer since they bloom on new wood. You may notice that the flowers tend to be longer and deeper colored in cooler weather.

Buddleias tend to break dormancy late in the spring, so don't worry if you don't see anything happening with them when your other shrubs start to leaf-out. These are very durable and reliable plants.

Characteristics