Variegated Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii 'Harlequin'
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- bud-LAY-yah dah-VID-ee-eye
- This plant is an invasive species in North Carolina
- Description
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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.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Buddleja
- Species:
- davidii
- Family:
- Scrophulariaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Wildlife Value:
- It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Colorful
- Easy to Grow
- Fragrance
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Erect
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Produces seeds prolifically, deadhead to reduce seed production.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Spike
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Good Cut
- Long Bloom Season
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- Tubular
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- fused petals
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- This plant has reddish-purple, fragrant flowers in summer. The panicles are 6-8" in length.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Green
- Variegated
- White
- Leaf Feel:
- Soft
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Insignificant
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- This plant has opposite, simple, green leaves with irregular, creamy-white margins. The leaves are long and pointed, soft green above and with white hairs on the underside.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Hedge
- Security
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Heat
- Pollution
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Invasive Species
- Weedy
