Buddleia davidii 'Buddleia'

[Syn. Buddleja davidii]

Buddlejaceae: a robust shrubby perennial to 4m, with long, arching branches. Found growing on waste and disturbed ground, commonly found in cities. The sweet honey scented flowers 3-4cm across, pinkish purple, arranged in long spikes that are extremely attractive to butterflies, blooming from June-September. The leaves are long, narrow, darker above than below. A popular garden plant native to China, it is now widely naturalised, often on coasts or railway embankments.

USES:

An excellent plant for bees and butterflies, also suitable for cut flowers.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Buddleia seeds are relatively easy to germinate and grow if the correct conditions are provided.

The seeds must have light and very high levels of humidity to enable germination to take place. For sowing first fill a wide pot or seed tray with a good quality compost. Lightly but firmly flatten and consolidate the surface. Water the compost so that it is evenly moist all over. Take a pinch of seeds and lightly sprinkle the seeds over the compost surface.

Take into account that the rates of germination are usually very high so do not sow the seeds thickly but try to keep the seeds spread out a little from each other.

To ensure germination high humidity must be provided this can be achieved by pacing a sheet of glass or clear plastic over the container. I have had good success using 5 short, thin metal hoops to support transparent pallet wrapping film (or cling film) above the compost surface and sealed around the edges, although a clear plastic bag would work equally well.

The sown seeds then need to be placed in a place that receives plenty of light but not direct sunlight. If sufficient light is not available additional artificial light should be used. After a day or so the water vapour will begin to condense on the inside of the film indicating 100% humidity inside and the correct conditions for the surface sown seed to germinate.

After around two weeks kept at room temperature signs of germination should be evident. Once signs of germination is evident lift the edges of the cover to increase air circulation and start to prepare the seedlings for life under more normal atmospheric conditions

In good conditions the seedlings develop rapidly. They will very soon need to be individually transplanted into larger containers. It is preferable to produce shorter, stocky, well branched seedlings rather than long leggy ones. These can only be grown if the plant density is relatively low.

Keep the seedlings well-watered and free from competing weeds and protect seedling from early autumn frosts. Growth is rapid and trees should be planted in their permanent positions before growth starts in the second year. It is possible for vigorous plants to produce flowers in the first year.

HARVESTED: 2019

APPROX. 300+ SEEDS