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BUDDLEJA davidii 'Potter's Purple'

Image of Buddleja davidii 'Potter's Purple'

James H. Schutte

Family

Loganiaceae

Botanical Name

BUDDLEJA davidii 'Potter's Purple'

Plant Common Name

Orange-eye Butterflybush, Potter's Purple Butterflybush

General Description

Grown for its elongated clusters of deep violet-purple flowers, the medium-sized butterflybush ‘Potter's Purple’ is a tough shrub that develops arching branches and a vase-shaped habit when mature. It was introduced in 1984 by Jack Potter of Wister Garden in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania.

Asian in origin, it has dark grey-green leaves and produces clusters of numerous tiny tubular deep violet-purple flowers with orange eyes. These are not very fragrant and appear at the ends of the branches. They will continue to bloom with greater regularity if spent flowers are removed. In climates with mild winters plants may be semi-evergreen.

Butterflybush grows best in full sun and can tolerate a wide range of well-drained soils. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant and requires little maintenance aside from regular pruning. Severe hard pruning each year will keep overall size more compact.

This is the best shrub for attracting clouds of butterflies. The only setback to planting any Buddleja davidii is its tendency to self-sow in the garden and beyond. In fact, in many regions this is considered an invasive species.

Enjoy butterflybush in sunny mixed borders and foundation plantings. It is not wise to plant these shrubs near open natural areas where they can easily escape into the wild.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 2

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    6'-7' / 1.8m - 2.1m

  • Width

    4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m

  • Bloom Time

    Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall

  • Native To

    China, Japan

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Drought, Salt, Soil Compaction

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Purple, Violet

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Gray Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Gray Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Gray Green, Dark Green, Yellow Green

  • Bark Color

    Green, Brown, Sandy Brown, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Exfoliating

  • Usage

    Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes