Overview
Buddleja axillaris Willd. ex Roem. & Schult. is a hardy plant species from the family Scrophulariaceae.
Origin
The plant is native to various regions in Asia, including China, India, and the Himalayan region. It is also found in some parts of North America and Europe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Butterfly Bush" or "Fragrant Butterfly Bush" due to its appealing flowers that attract butterflies. It is also referred to as "Dogtail Buddleia," "Nepalese Butterfly Bush," and "Golden Bell."
Appearance
The plant grows as a deciduous shrub and can reach a height of up to 5 meters. Its leaves are elongated, pointed and have a fine texture with a rough surface. The plant's flowers have an impressive fragrance and appear in clusters at the end of the branches. They are pale yellow and arranged in trumpet-like clusters that open into 5-6 lobes.
Uses
The plant is renowned for its ornamental value in landscaping, attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. Buddleja axillaris Willd. ex Roem. & Schult. is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, coughs, and colds. Its roots and stems have been utilized in making traditional herbal teas with beneficial health properties.
Growth Conditions of Buddleja axillaris Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.
Buddleja axillaris Willd. ex Roem. & Schult. is commonly known as the butterfly bush due to its ability to attract butterflies with its showy flowers. This deciduous shrub is native to South America and can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide if provided with the right conditions.
Light Requirements
Buddleja axillaris requires full sun to thrive. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to produce sufficient flowers. If grown in the shade, the plant will become leggy and produce fewer flowers. Therefore, it is essential to select a sunny location for planting this shrub.
Temperature Requirements
Buddleja axillaris grows best in warm temperatures. It is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 11, which means it can survive in temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C) in zone 7. However, the plant prefers temperatures ranging from 60°F (15°C) to 90°F (32°C) and cannot tolerate extremely cold or hot climates.
Soil Requirements
Buddleja axillaris prefers well-drained soil. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, from acidic to alkaline. However, the soil must not be waterlogged as it can cause root rot. It is best to plant the shrub in loamy or sandy soil with organic matter added to improve water retention.
Overall, providing Buddleja axillaris with full sun, warm temperatures, and well-drained soil can result in a healthy and flourishing plant that attracts beautiful butterflies to your garden.
Cultivation methods for Buddleja axillaris Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.
Buddleja axillaris Willd. ex Roem. & Schult. is a hardy perennial shrub that requires minimal care and attention. It prefers full sun to partial shade and grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil pH and can grow in acidic, neutral or alkaline soil. It is also drought-tolerant and grows well in areas with low rainfall.
Watering needs for Buddleja axillaris Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.
Buddleja axillaris Willd. ex Roem. & Schult. has moderate water requirements. It prefers a soil that is evenly moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to avoid overwatering the plant as this can lead to root rot and other fungal problems.
Young plants require more frequent watering than established plants. During the growing season, it is recommended to water the plant deeply once every week. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering to once every two weeks.
Fertilization for Buddleja axillaris Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.
Buddleja axillaris Willd. ex Roem. & Schult. requires regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and flowering. An all-purpose fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is ideal for this plant.
Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing the plant during winter as this can stimulate unwanted growth during the dormant period.
Pruning for Buddleja axillaris Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.
Buddleja axillaris Willd. ex Roem. & Schult. requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth and flowering. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins.
Remove any dead, damaged or diseased wood first. Then, prune the plant to shape, leaving behind four to six healthy buds. This will promote new growth and a more compact plant.
Propagation Methods for Buddleja axillaris Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.
Buddleja axillaris Willd. ex Roem. & Schult. or the Himalayan Butterfly Bush can be propagated by different methods. The following are some of the propagation methods used for this species of plant:
Seed Propagation
Buddleja axillaris can be propagated from seeds collected from mature seed capsules in late summer. The seeds should be cleaned and stratified by keeping them at a temperature of 41°F to 50°F for two to three months. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in seed trays filled with well-draining soil mix. Water the soil and cover the trays with plastic to maintain humidity. Germination usually occurs in 14 to 30 days. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots when they have developed four to six true leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
The Himalayan butterfly bush can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken from healthy stems of the plant in mid-summer. The cuttings should be about six inches long and have two to three nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone powder. Stick the cutting in moist, well-drained soil mix and cover it with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light. The cuttings can develop roots in about a month, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Division Propagation
Buddleja axillaris can also be propagated by division. The plant can be propagated by dividing the root clumps in early spring when new growth has appeared. Carefully dig up the parent plant and separate the root system into two or more clumps. Each clump should have healthy roots and shoots. Replant the divided clumps in a well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly. Division propagation can also be used to propagate the Himalayan butterfly bush when the plant becomes too large for its existing container or location.
Disease Management
Buddleja axillaris is generally a healthy plant, but it can still be affected by certain diseases. Some diseases that can affect this plant include:
- Crown Rot - This disease can be caused by a variety of fungi and can cause the plant to wilt and die. The best way to prevent crown rot is to avoid planting Buddleja axillaris in poorly-drained soil.
- Powdery Mildew - This common fungal disease can be a problem in humid conditions. It appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, you can remove infected leaves, increase airflow around the plant, and consider applying a fungicide.
- Leaf Spots - There are various fungi and bacteria that can cause leaf spots on Buddleja axillaris. The spots can be brown, black, or gray and can cause the leaves to drop prematurely. To manage this disease, you can remove infected leaves, apply a fungicide, and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Buddleja axillaris can also be affected by certain pests. Some pests that can cause problems for this plant include:
- Aphids - These small, soft-bodied insects can cluster on the leaves and stems of Buddleja axillaris, sucking sap from the plant. This can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, you can use a strong spray of water to knock them off the plant, encourage natural predators (like ladybugs), or use insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars - Caterpillars can feed on the leaves of Buddleja axillaris, causing defoliation and weakening the plant. Handpicking caterpillars off the plant is an effective form of management, or you can use a pesticide labeled for caterpillar control.
- Spider Mites - These tiny pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves of Buddleja axillaris. They are difficult to see with the naked eye, but their webbing is a telltale sign. To manage spider mites, you can increase humidity around the plant, use a strong spray of water to wash them off the plant, or use a miticide.
