{"product_id":"buddleja-davidii-empire-blue","title":"Vonný letní šeřík - Buddleja davidii 'Empire Blue' (Motýlí keř)","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"break-words\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eBuddleja davidii 'Empire Blue' is a variety of ornamental shrub from the Scrophulariaceae family, popularly known as the \"Butterfly Bush.\" This plant is valued for its spectacular and fragrant flowers, which attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects, making it an excellent choice for gardens aiming to support biodiversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Appearance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-secondary\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShape\u003c\/strong\u003e: The flowers are small, tubular, grouped in \u003cstrong\u003elong and dense panicles (large clusters)\u003c\/strong\u003e that can reach \u003cstrong\u003e20-25 cm in length\u003c\/strong\u003e. They are arranged at the ends of branches, creating an impressive visual effect and are \u003cstrong\u003emajor nectar producers - a true attraction for bees and butterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor\u003c\/strong\u003e: They have a deep shade of \u003cstrong\u003eintense blue-violet\u003c\/strong\u003e (sometimes described as a true blue), with a small orange \"eye\" in the center of each flower, providing a subtle but attractive contrast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFragrance\u003c\/strong\u003e: It emits a \u003cstrong\u003esweet and fruity scent\u003c\/strong\u003e, which enhances its appeal to pollinators and adds a pleasant note to the garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlooming period\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eBlooms abundantly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e from \u003cstrong\u003eJune to October\u003c\/strong\u003e, sometimes until the first frost, especially if faded flowers are regularly removed (deadheading), which encourages continuous blooming.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Characteristics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-secondary\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: Grows compactly, reaching a height of \u003cstrong\u003e1.5-2 meters\u003c\/strong\u003e and a similar width, making it smaller and easier to integrate into gardens than other Buddleja davidii varieties.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage\u003c\/strong\u003e: The leaves are lance-shaped, with a \u003cstrong\u003esilvery gray-green\u003c\/strong\u003e color, a fine texture, and a slightly fuzzy appearance on the underside. They are arranged oppositely on the branches and provide an elegant backdrop for the vibrant flowers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVigor\u003c\/strong\u003e: It is a fast-growing shrub but remains well-proportioned, with arching branches that give it a graceful and airy shape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-secondary\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExposure\u003c\/strong\u003e: Prefers \u003cstrong\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e for abundant flowering but also tolerates \u003cstrong\u003epartial shade\u003c\/strong\u003e, though with fewer flowers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e: Requires \u003cstrong\u003ewell-drained\u003c\/strong\u003e soil, from medium to fertile, and adapts to various types (clay, sandy), provided water does not stagnate. Tolerates a variable pH (acidic, neutral, or alkaline).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering\u003c\/strong\u003e: Needs moderate watering; it is relatively drought-tolerant once established but performs poorly in excessively wet conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePruning\u003c\/strong\u003e: Severe pruning is recommended in \u003cstrong\u003eFebruary-March\u003c\/strong\u003e, cutting back to 15-30 cm above the ground to encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering on new wood. Removing faded flowers during the season extends blooming. This pruning also delays flowering, reducing the risk of damage from late frosts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare and Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-secondary\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e: It is hardy to temperatures as low as \u003cstrong\u003e-20°C\u003c\/strong\u003e (USDA zones 5-9), but in colder climates, it may die back to the ground in winter, behaving like a herbaceous perennial. In spring, it regrows vigorously from the roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFertilization\u003c\/strong\u003e: A balanced fertilizer applied in spring supports flowering but is not strictly necessary in fertile soils.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePests and diseases\u003c\/strong\u003e: It can be affected by aphids, mites, or mullein moth, but is generally resistant if well-ventilated. It may develop mildew in damp and poorly drained conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGarden Use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"break-words\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuddleja 'Empire Blue'\u003c\/strong\u003e is ideal for borders, cottage gardens, or as a specimen plant in mixed landscapes. Due to its compact size, it also fits well in containers on terraces or balconies. Its blue-violet flowers combine beautifully with yellow plants (e.g., Kniphofia) or white ones (e.g., white roses), creating vibrant contrasts. It is also excellent as a cut flower, thanks to its fragrance and durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"break-words\" dir=\"auto\"\u003eBuddleja davidii is native to \u003cstrong\u003eChina and Japan\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it naturally grows on rocky slopes and disturbed areas. The \u003cstrong\u003e'Empire Blue'\u003c\/strong\u003e variety was developed in \u003cstrong\u003ethe United Kingdom\u003c\/strong\u003e in the 20th century as part of horticultural selections aimed at enhancing the plant's intense colors and hardiness. Although there are no precise details about the exact year or breeder, \u003cstrong\u003e'Empire Blue'\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the first varieties to popularize true blue shades in Buddleja cultivation, appreciated by gardeners for its color and reliability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlooms\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003every abundantly\u003c\/strong\u003e in the warm season, with flowers appearing in large clusters, being \u003cstrong\u003estrongly fragrant\u003c\/strong\u003e and major nectar producers. During the warm season, it is usually the biggest attraction for butterflies and pollinators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo delay flowering, some gardeners drastically reduce the size of the plants in spring. Annual pruning is also necessary to control the plant's spread, as it tends to multiply relatively quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHeight including pot: approx. 25-30 cm (varies depending on the season)\u003cbr\u003ePot diameter: 11 cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Secret Garden Outdoor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54366753718598,"sku":null,"price":147.0,"currency_code":"CZK","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0558\/5551\/3798\/files\/Buddleja_davidii_Empire_Blue_flowers.jpg?v=1744638078","url":"https:\/\/secretgarden.ro\/en-cz\/products\/buddleja-davidii-empire-blue","provider":"Secret Garden Plant Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}