Summer Lilac Buddleja davidii 'Attraction'

'Attraction' is a cultivar shrub in the China native butterfly bush in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). Genus name honors the Reverend Adam Buddle, an English botanist. Specific epithet honors Pere Armand David, a French naturalist. 

This shrub grows 4-6 feet tall and wide and prefers full sun in average moist well-drained soils. In part sun conditions it becomes weedy with diminished flowering. 'Attraction' will naturalize through wind dispersal of seed, particularly in warmer areas where it does not die back to the ground in winter. Deadhead to extend the blooming season and remove flower clusters before seed disperses. 'Attraction' blooms on new wood, the old canes should be pruned to the ground in late winter in warmer areas. 

This plant has incredibly fragrant, bright reddish-purple to magenta-colored blooms which are highly attractive to pollinators as the name suggests.

It is considered invasive in some states. Choosing a sterile cultivar is more desirable if you want to plant a butterfly bush. Please see alternative plants to the left. There are many shrubs and perennials that are more beneficial to pollinators than butterfly bushes.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems. Nematodes can be troublesome in the South.

More information on Buddleja davidii.