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Buddleia 'Dark Dynasty'

Dark Dynasty Butterfly Bush

Plant photo of: Buddleia 'Dark Dynasty'
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Description

This compact new Buddleia fits easily into urban gardens with its densely compact, rounded habit. Unlike some other dwarf Buddleias that become very wide spreading, ‘Dark Dynasty’ keeps its composure as it ages, growing just 3’ tall and 3 ½’ wide in two years. Rich royal purple, fragrant flowers are borne on branched panicles from late summer into early fall, just in time to feed the migrating Monarchs passing through. Butterfly Bushes have certainly earned their place in the garden over the years, and its easy to see why. Just when we need a breath of fresh air in the late summer heat, they happily burst into bloom. At a time when many other plants are already spent, buddleias are just beginning their show. Their passive coloring and texture makes a wonderful backdrop for perennials, and you'll love the butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds that flock to their honey-scented blossoms. Buddleias should be planted in a full sun location with fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Studies have shown that adding lime to the soil will result in increased growth and better floral quality. They are also moderately drought tolerant once established. Since they frequently die all the way back to the ground in northern winters, it is best to cut back all of the old wood to about 12" in the spring. Doing so will result in more compact plants. They will quickly grow back to their normal height by fall and will flower just as prolifically in late summer since they bloom on new wood. You may notice that the flowers tend to be longer and deeper colored in cooler weather. Buddleias tend to break dormancy late in the spring, so don't worry if you don't see anything happening with them when your other shrubs start to leaf-out. These are very durable and reliable plants.

 

Plant Type

Shrub

Height Range

3-6'

Flower Color

Purple

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Low, Medium

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Rich, Well-drained, Moist

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Fragrance, Showy Flowers, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Shrub Border, Patio, Raised Planter

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Mass Planting

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Water Saving Tip:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.