Buddleja davidii 'Harlequin'

Buddleja davidii 'Harlequin' is a beautiful, medium to large-sized, variegated flowering shrub that is a sport of Buddleja davidii 'Royal Red.' It was first introduced in 1964. It grows rapidly and may reach 4 to 6 feet tall or taller, and its leaves are lance-shaped with creamy white margins. Its flowers are small, fragrant, and reddish-purple, arranged in a dense, cylinder-like panicle. It attracts butterflies and bees. 

The 'Harlequin' butterfly bush thrives best in moist, well-drained soils in full to partial sun. This plant is not tolerant of wet, soggy, or poorly drained soils. It has average water requirements and is drought-tolerant once established. It is tolerant of most soil types, but clay soil should be amended with compost.  It dies back to the ground in colder regions, and dead branches will need to be pruned out when new growth is evident in the spring. This shrub blooms on new wood; therefore, it is safe to prune in the early spring. Prune about 1 foot from the ground to help maintain the desired shape and to encourage larger flower production.

As with any sport or spontaneous mutation, the plant may revert to the original green foliage if stressed. Care should be taken to remove unvariegated branches to maintain the desired appearance.

Reportedly, this shrub has become less popular recently due to its susceptibility to spider mites and its tendency to revert to green foliage. It is still widely available. You can also select other variegated forms such as 'Notbud,' 'Thia,' 'Watflor,' and 'White Harlequin.'

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems. It is susceptible to aphids, capsid bugs, caterpillars, earwigs, figwort weevils, and spider mites. Monitor for honey fungus, leaf spot, and viruses.

More information on Buddleja davidii.