The butterfly bushes are starting to bloom again. One of my favorites is a blue buddleia that I planted above spirea, salvia, echinacea and monarda that are raspberry to magenta in bloom. The purple larkspur and Japanese iris are among the other plants in this area of the garden.
But, which blue buddleia? Several years ago, I purchased this buddleia labeled as Adonis Blue™ that is supposed to be a deeper, almost navy blue.
I rely upon the butterfly bushes in the deer resistant garden. Of course, the visiting butterflies and bees rely upon them as well. Hardy in zones 5-9, I cut mine back in late winter here in zone 7 of North Carolina.
Regardless of the true identity of this butterfly bush, I'm very happy with the size as it seems to stay under five feet tall and four feet wide. The color also works well in my garden, so I'm happy with that, too. I'd just like to know the true identity of this buddleia.
Story and photos by Freda Cameron; Location: home garden; June 2009