Buddleja 'Lochinch'

Buddleja Lochinch

Buddleja are tough Asiatic shrubs which do as well in Sydney gardens as they do in much cooler areas. Buddleja 'Lochinch' (ht 2.5m) is a lovely hybrid and has handsome silvery leaves and highly scented lilac flowers held on long tapering panicles. The first flush of blooms occurs around November, and if the plant is dead-headed or given a light, overall trim, further flowerings will occur through summer. Like all Buddleja, it attracts butterflies, which feast on the scented nectar and when 'blue triangle' butterflies, with their stunning turquoise-coloured wings are hovering around the flowers, it is an amazing sight!

Buddleja flower best in a sunny, well-drained spot. They are quite tough once established, and survive dry spells very well. I cut mine back very hard around mid-August, reducing it almost to a stump! They can be done earlier in winter if you prefer. New growth will soon emerge and a nice shape will form. Left unpruned, it can become very straggly. They make a good statement in any mixed border, with companions such as Salvia, Abutilon, perennial Aster, Dahlia and Canna.

Cuttings of Buddleja 'Lochinch' strike fairly easily, and late summer and autumn are good times to try them. Note that like all Buddleja, it may self-seed, so make sure they are not planted nearby bush reserves and that you pull out all unwanted seedlings in your garden, so that you don't end up with a forest of Buddleja!