Buddleia Davidii | Oakwood Solicitors Ltd - Leeds Law Firm (2024)

FAQs

Are you allowed to plant buddleia in the UK? ›

Buddleia is a popular garden plant that was introduced into the UK from China in the 1890s and has now become widely naturalised on waste ground, along railway cuttings and in urban areas. Its familiar purple flowers bloom from June to October and attract all kinds of butterflies and moths looking for nectar sources.

Buddleja is found around the UK and can commonly be seen along railways, growing from old masonry structures such as bridges and derelict sites. The plant is now undergoing a reputation reconstruction, as is now considered invasive in the UK, New Zealand and Australia.

Buddleia can be treated with herbicide, either sprayed, or injected into the trunk, and this method is most effective on juvenile plants. Treatment should be carried out at the right time of the year, and following a strict methodology.

The fibrous root system of the butterfly bush is rather shallow, taking advantage of the available water and nutrients close to the topsoil. The shrub could grow to four meters or 6 to 12 feet tall and spread a good four to five meters or 4 to 15 feet across.

If left uncontrolled, it can dominate a site, and outcompete other species. Buddleia is responsible for huge amounts of structural damage and in 2010, £961,000 of the UK economy was estimated to be spent on reparations from buddleia damage.

Pruning buddleja davidii

It's a robust shrub but can quickly become untidy if not pruned, with the flowers appearing so high that only the butterflies can enjoy them. Annual pruning keeps it in shape and helps produce more flowers, lower down.

Buddleia's vigor and resilience are not without controversy. After being introduced to the United States in the early 20th century, it gained the reputation of spreading quickly, especially in southern states. The good news is that the invasiveness of Buddleia varies by region.

The butterfly bush, or buddleja, is a beautiful flowering plant that features blooms in a variety of colors. It's a popular garden shrub that attracts butterflies and bees and is not poisonous to pets.

If you're concerned about the spread of buddleia, it's best to get it removed and treated by a professional. Depending on the level of infestation, specialists might advise more excavation methods to control the plant. Here are some ways buddleia can be removed and controlled: Excavation and burial.

How do I get rid of Buddleja davidii? ›

Answer: Though beautiful, standard butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) tend to be very weedy and invasive, which is why gardeners often remove it. Remove the whole root system to make sure that it does not come back. The process will require sharp hand pruners or loppers, good garden gloves, and a sharp, heavy spade.

It has long, arching, woody branches reaching 5m in height, growing between 0.5 to 2m per year, and shallow, fibrous roots.

Buddleia usually bloom continuously throughout late summer and fall, stopping only with the first frost. Removing spent flowers will keep the plant looking neat and encourage additional blossoms. To deadhead, cut the stem back to the first set of leaves, several inches below the flower.

Although Butterfly Bush grows easily in our region, it is not native to North America. The Buddleja genus originated in central China and migrated across Asia and to the Americas, evolving into over 140 species as it spread. B. davidii, the most commonly cultivated species in our region, is a native of China.

Butterfly bush and coneflower are sun-loving and adored by pollinators, making them a great pairing in the garden! Coneflower (Echinacea) is a native perennial that pairs beautifully with a variety of other perennials and shrubs due to its low-maintenance nature.

Note: Butterfly Bushes have been found to be invasive in some areas and are listed as such on some state invasive plant lists. To avoid this problem, deadhead the flowers religiously, plant Butterfly Bush alternatives that aren't invasive or grow sterile seeded varieties.

Plants for butterflies

Include an open area for wildflowers and grasses, devoting as much space as you can in order to allow as many butterflies to lay their eggs as possible. A site with low soil fertility is ideal. Seek out butterfly mixes from wildflower seed suppliers.

It forms thick, shrubby thickets that preclude the development of other native species such as willow. Butterfly bush is considered invasive in many states, as well as England and New Zealand. Some states, like Oregon, have even banned sales of the plant.