Buddleja alternifoliaAlternate-leaved butterfly bush
科:马钱科
Family:Loganiaceae
属:醉鱼草属
common name:Alternate-leaved butterfly bush
introduce:Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Loganiaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: China
Height: 8 to 15 feet
Spread: 10 to 18 feet
Bloom Time: May
Bloom Color: Lilac-purple
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium moisture
Maintenance: Low
General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Becomes weedy and sparse with diminished flowering performance in too much shade, however. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions including poor, somewhat dry soils, but is intolerant of wet conditions. Winter hardy to USDA Zone 5 where it usually does not suffer any significant winter die-back. Unlike Buddleja davidii, this species blooms on the previous years wood, so cutting plants to the ground in late winter each year is not an option. Prune in late spring immediately after flowering. Weeping habit may be best showcased by training and growing this plant as a single trunk tree.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
This butterfly bush is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub or small single trunk tree which typically grows 8-15 tall (infrequently to 20 as a tree) with arching, drooping, willow-like branches. Tree form may superficially resemble a small weeping willow. Short clusters (to 3/4" long) of lightly fragrant, lilac-purple flowers bloom in the leaf axils along the previous years stems in spring. Flowers earlier than most other species of butterfly bush. Lance-shaped leaves (to 4" long) are green above and grayish below. Unlike other cultivated species of Buddleja, this species has alternate leaves, hence the species and common names. Also sometimes commonly called fountain buddleia in reference to the growing habit. Flowers are attractive to butterflies.
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses:
Shrub borders, foundation plantings, cottage gardens or butterfly gardens. Interesting weeping specimen when trained as a single trunk tree.
