Common name: Butterfly bush, Summer lilac
Botanical name: Buddleja davidii Family: Buddlejaceae (Butterfly bush family)
This plant is commonly called butterfly bush because of the hordes of
butterflies (and bees) that are attracted to its wonderfully fragrant flowers.
Many butterfly gardeners plan their garden around Buddleia (pronounced
BUD-lee-ah), a genus that includes over 100 species and cultivars. The medium- to
large-sized shrubs can anchor a perennial bed or form a hedge. Its
narrow branches support lilac-like clusters of blossoms a foot or two in
length, with side branches and blossoms. After a rainfall, the flower-laden
branches of some species can droop all over your flower bed. You'll want to
allow at least six feet between bushes to keep some semblance of
neatness.
| Photographed in Uttarakhand. |
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