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Buddleia davidii 'Black Knight' (Butterfly bush, Summer lilac)

Buddleia davidii 'Black Knight' Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Buddleia davidii 'Black Knight' BUD-lee-ah dah-VID-ee-eye Common Name: Butterfly bush, Summer lilac Genus: Buddleia
Butterfly bushes are carefree deciduous shrubs that are reliably fragrant and easy to grow. Butterflies swarm to their blooms all summer long. 'Black Knight' has deep purple-blue, almost black, flowers in elongated clusters on arching branches to 10 feet tall if not cut back, and half that size if cut back. The blooms come from early summer to first frost. The foliage is willow-like and grayish green.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Nearly black flowers. Attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Easy to grow, but is in invasive in some areas. Fast grower.
 Care: Easy to grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Prune back or cut to the ground in late winter or early spring. Deadhead regularly.
 Propagation: Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in fall. Sow seed at 66-75°F  in spring.
 Problems: Capsid bug, caterpillars, weevils, mullein moth, spider mites. Fungal leaf spots and diebacks can occur.
Height 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Fast Grower;Invasive/Aggressive Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Tolerance Frost Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Butterflies; Attracts Hummingbirds; Fragrant Flowers; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Fall; Summer
Flower Color Blue Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower
Style Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

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