Photo of Buddleja japonica flower by Kenpei

Photo by Kenpei

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Buddleja japonica

Also Known As

  • Buddleia japonica
  • Butterfly Bush

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 4'-6'
  • W: 3'-4'

planting zones

  • 7b-10b

More Options

Buddleja japonica plant details

Buddleja japonica is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with blue foliage. In spring and summer purple flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Buddleja japonica

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: scrophulariaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 3 FT - 4 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: cutting garden, fragrant, velvety

GROWING CONDITIONS for Buddleja japonica

USDA Zones: 7b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer, seaside / salt
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Little known, this medium shrub of arching habit produces dense, drooping clusters of woolly lavender flowers during summer. S/M
We raised these from seed collected from an amazing plant in Dale Deppe's garden. It was in seed when we saw it, absolutely covered with 3-4' arching seed heads; from a distance I thought it was some mutant woody chenille plant. By far the longest flower spike we have ever seen on a Buddleja. We expect some variation (Dale has quite a Buddleja collection and some cool hybrids are possible) however the leaves look identical to Dale's plant and we have high hopes for the same insane flower heads.
Vigorous spreading arching purple flowers late season.

Gardening facts about Buddleja japonica plant

How to Grow Buddleja japonica

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • seaside / salt tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Buddleja for your garden

aka Buddleia marrubifolia, Buddleja marrubifolia, Woolly Butterfly Bush

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8b-10b

Size

Height: 3'-6'

Width: 3'-5'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Buddleja marrubiifolia flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

aka Panamint Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac, Utah Butterfly Bush

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Buddleja utahensis flower, macro by Stan Shebs
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aka Buddleia pikei 'Hever Castle', Buddleja x pikei 'Hever Castle', Hever Castle Butterfly Bush

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 5'-6'

Width: 4'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Buddleja x pikei 'Hever' flower by Forestfarm
View Plant

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aka Buddleia globosa, Orange Ball Buddleia, Orange Ball Tree, Orange Butterfly Bush

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 6'-15'

Width: 10'

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Buddleja globosa flower by A. Barra
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More Options

aka Buddleia salvifolia, Buddleia salviifolia, Sage Bush, South African Sagewood, Winter Buddleja

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 5'

Width: 4'

  • sun
  • regular - low
Photo of Buddleja salvifolia flower, foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

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