Liliac de vara parfumat - Buddleja davidii 'Lochinch' (Butterfly Bush)

Buddleja davidii 'Lochinch' , also known as the 'butterfly bush' or 'summer lilac', is a hybrid cultivar of the species Buddleja davidii in the Scrophulariaceae family. This deciduous shrub is prized for its fragrant, delicate lavender-purple flowers and its ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators. With a more refined appearance than other varieties, 'Lochinch' is a popular choice for gardens due to its abundant flowering and decorative foliage.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The leaves are lanceolate, silvery-gray green on the front and silvery-whitish on the back, with a velvety texture, 10-20 cm long. They are arranged oppositely on the branches and fall in autumn, without developing significant colors.
• Flowers : The flowers are small, tubular, grouped in dense, conical panicles , 15-25 cm long, of a soft lavender-purple with an orange center. They appear from July to September , emitting a sweet, floral fragrance , which attracts butterflies, bees and moths. Flowering can be prolonged by removing wilted flowers.
• Fruit : The fruit is a small, brown, ornamentally insignificant capsule containing fine seeds. In some regions, the seeds may contribute to the invasive spread of the plant.
• Fragrance : The floral, sweet and subtle fragrance is a strong point, being more pronounced on warm days.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : It grows as a compact shrub, reaching 2-2.5 meters tall and 1.5-2 meters wide , with arching branches that form a rounded crown, neater than other varieties.
• Vigor : It has moderate to fast growth, producing flexible branches, but less expansive than other cultivars.
• Type : It is a deciduous shrub, with multiple stems, that produces few shoots from the root, maintaining a relatively compact shape.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun for maximum flowering, but tolerates partial shade , with a reduction in the number of flowers. A sunny and well-ventilated location prevents diseases.
• Soil : Adapts to most soil types, preferring fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH (6-7.5). Tolerates poor or calcareous soils, but drainage is essential.
• Watering : Needs regular watering in the first few years and during dry periods, but once established, tolerates moderate drought well. Avoid soggy soils.
• Pollination : Flowers attract numerous pollinators, especially butterflies, contributing significantly to the biodiversity of the garden.

Care and resistance

• Hardiness : It is resistant to temperatures down to -20°C (zones 5-9), making it suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. Young branches may be affected by late frosts, but the plant regenerates quickly.
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) in early spring to stimulate growth and flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen, which favors foliage over flowers.
• Pruning : Prune severely in February-March , reducing branches to 30-50 cm from the ground, to stimulate abundant flowering and maintain a compact shape. Remove faded flowers during the summer to prolong flowering.
• Pests and diseases : May be affected by mites, aphids or powdery mildew in humid conditions. Good ventilation and avoiding wetting the leaves will prevent problems.
• Invasiveness : Buddleja davidii can become invasive in some regions due to wind-borne seeds. Removing spent flowers reduces this risk.
• Fauna : It is a magnet for butterflies, bees and moths, making it an essential plant for gardens that support biodiversity.

Use

Buddleja davidii 'Lochinch' is ideal for mixed borders , informal hedges or as a solitary plant in cottage, modern or wild gardens. The lavender-purple flowers combine beautifully with plants such as sage, rosemary or white roses. It can be grown in large containers on patios, but requires regular pruning. It is perfect for landscapes that want to attract pollinators and provide delicate summer color.

Origin

Buddleja davidii is native to China , where it grows in rocky areas and on river banks. The cultivar 'Lochinch' is a hybrid resulting from the crossing of Buddleja davidii and Buddleja fallowiana, developed in Scotland, at Lochinch Castle, in the 1940s. It is valued for its silvery foliage, exquisite flowers and more compact stature than other varieties.