Colvile Butterfly Bush

An unusual and very desirable buddleja for warmer areas, Buddleja colvilei is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree, with a broad, bushy, upright habit. The long, lance-shaped, pointed leaves emerge quite felted, turning silvery-green, a lovely foil for the flowers. In May and June, the Colvile butterfly bush bears pendulous panicles of tubular, open-mouthed, deep crimson or deep pink flowers at the ends of the stems; the flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. Protect the plant in winter for the first couple of years; established plants seem to be hardy. Prune after flowering.

Site: Sheltered, warm, sunny site
Soil: Any well-drained soil
Position: Flowers best in full sun; tolerates partial shade
Season of interest: Early summer
Hardiness: Fairly hardy
Height: up to 26 (8m) Spread: 26 (8m)