Buddleja Lo & Behold® 'Blue Chip Jr.'

Buddleja 'Blue Chip Jr' is a hybrid derived from Buddleja 'Blue Chip'  in the plant breeding program of Dr. Dennis Werner of North Carolina State University.  It is an alternative to 'Blue Chip' with many of the same characteristics but is considered by many to be an improved variety due to its more compact and symmetrical shape, consistent rich blue color, silver-green foliage, earlier flowering, and stronger stems. It is the earliest to bloom of all the Lo & Behold series. 

'Blue Chip Jr' grows in average, well-drained soils in full sun. It may become weedy with diminished flowering if not grown in full sun. Like all Buddleja, it requires moderate moisture and may suffer from root rot if the soil is consistently wet. When planted in clay soil, the soil should be amended with compost and the base of the plant should be planted slightly above ground level. It is drought tolerant once established. It should be watered occasionally, more in extreme heat or when grown in containers.

'Blue Chip Jr' is winter hardy but may die back to the ground in colder zones and resume growth from the crown the following spring. In regions where above-ground shoots survive over winter, pruning to the ground in late winter when new leaves appear at the base will produce more vigorous growth in the spring, give the plant a better shape, and produce more flowers. Deadheading encourages additional blooms but is not otherwise necessary.

The plants produce few seeds and infrequently sucker in the garden.  This non-invasive variety is approved for sale in Oregon and Washington.