Summer Lilac

(Buddleja davidii)

Summer Lilac (Buddleja davidii)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Buddleja davidii, commonly known as summer lilac, butterfly-bush, or orange eye, is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub native to the Sichuan and Hubei provinces in central China, and also Japan. It typically grows to a height of 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 meters) and a similar width. This species thrives in a range of habitats, including riverbanks, forest clearings, and limestone outcrops in its native range. It has naturalized in many other parts of the world, often in disturbed sites and waste areas.

Buddleja davidii is known for its long, arching branches and lance-shaped leaves. The showy flower panicles are honey-scented, lilac to purple, and up to 20 cm (8 inches) long, blooming from mid-summer to autumn. The flowers are a magnet for butterflies and other pollinators, making it a popular choice for wildlife gardens. It is also used for urban planting, border planting, and as a specimen shrub. The plant prefers full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate water, and is suitable for USDA zones 5–9. While it is easy to grow and maintain, it can become invasive outside its native range, out-competing local flora. It is important to check local regulations before planting, as it is considered invasive in some areas, including parts of Australasia, Europe, and the United States.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 6-12 feet
  • Width: 4-15 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Riverbanks, forest clearings, and limestone outcrops in central China and Japan

Other Names

Common Names: Orange-Eye , Butterfly-Bush , Summer-Lilac , Orange-Eye Butterfly-Bush , Summer Lilac , Sommerflieder , Schmetterlingsstrauch , Fliederspeer , Arbre Aux Papillons , Lilas D’Été

Scientific Names: Buddleja davidii , Buddleja davidii var. nanhoensis , Buddleja davidii subsp. nanhoensis , Buddleja variabilis , Buddleja davidii var. magnifica , Buddleja davidii var. superba , Buddleja shimidzuana , Buddleja davidii var. veitchiana , Buddleja davidii var. alba , Buddleja variabilis var. veitchiana

GBIF Accepted Name: Buddleja davidii Franch.