Buddleja davidii 'Variegated Royal Red' Buddleja davidii 'Harlequin'

The 'Harlequin' butterfly bush performs best in moist, well-drained soils in partial to full sun. Wet, poorly drained sites should be avoided as too much water in the soil can lead to root rot.  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.

Buddleja davidii  'Harlequin' is a variegated sport of Buddleja davidii  'Royal Red'. As with any sport (spontaneous mutation), the plant may revert to the original green foliage if stressed. Care should be taken to remove un-variegated branches to maintain the desired appearance. 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. As it blooms on new wood, spring pruning to about a foot above ground is also recommended to maintain the desired shape, reduce twigginess, and produce larger flowers.

'Harlequin' may be attacked by capsid bugs, caterpillars, and spider mites but is generally disease-free.

More information on Buddleja davidii.