We have a wide range of Buddleja available in our nursery, ready to take home today. If you have any questions whilst browsing ask one of our horticultural experts, they are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
Read our guide on the best practices for planting and caring for the wonderful and colourful Buddlejas.
When to plant
Best time to plant is late spring once the soil has warmed up.
How to Plant
These fast-growing deciduous shrubs are suitable for planting in perennial borders, beds and containers. The plants tend to spread as they grow, and can grow to an ultimate height of 2.5-4 meters. However, you can opt for dwarf sizes with a neater, more compact growth
Buddleja need full or partial sun, don’t keep in deep shade
Generally unfussy about soil type, they do require a free-draining soil so find a well-drained location. In areas with heavy clay, it’s best to improve soil quality with plenty of compost and sharp sand or grit
Dig a deep planting hole and backfill with the sand/grit and compost as this will help with drainage if needed
Lime can be beneficial as they like slightly alkaline conditions
Space Buddleja 1.5 – 3 meters apart, depending on the variety
After planting, water well to settle the soil around the roots
Care
Buddlejas need additional feeding to produce the best flowers and feeding is best done in the spring, straight after pruning
Low-maintenance, they do require deadheading just as the flower starts to wither to keep it from spreading volunteer seeds. Annual pruning is required in later winter/early spring to encourage flowers and prune a few times in the summer to keep them under control
Water freely when in growth and sparingly otherwise. In the summer, water if rainfall is less than 2.5 cm per week
In cold weather, spread mulch up to 15 cm deep around the trunk to nurture it through the winter
In spring, apply a thin layer of mulch and compost to retain moisture and help control weeds
Challenges
Winter waterlogging can be a problem on clay soil or heavily compacted soil
Buddleja are seldom bothered by pests or diseases, although keep an eye out for pests such as spider mites and caterpillar
If you see any insects, try knocking them off with a strong blast of water, but try and avoid pesticides, as they also kill visiting butterflies, bees and other beneficial garden creatures
Leckford has a deep passion and commitment to conserving, growing and celebrating plants! We love to share our knowledge and passion and we welcome you to Leckford to visit the Longstock Nursery. Also, see the latest Buddlejas stock list here, we stock many of these for sale and can propagate varieties on request. Check out our events page often to see upcoming events throughout the year!