The buddleia nanho purple butterfly bush is a beautiful deciduous shrub that has lots of lavender-purple flowers that butterflies love. This plant grows quickly and doesn’t need much care, making it a great choice for gardens that need some late-summer color.
An Overview of Buddleia Nanho Purple
Also known by its botanical name of Buddleja davidii ‘Nanho Purple’, this butterfly bush is a cultivar of the species Buddleja davidii It was named after the French missionary and naturalist Armand David, who found this species growing in the wild in China in the late 1800s.
The nanho purple cultivar features dense clusters of rich lavender-purple blooms with orange throat markings. These fragrant flowers appear on fast-growing arching branches from early summer through the first frost. The bush has an upright form that can reach 5-10 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide.
This plant is deciduous, losing its leaves in winter. The foliage is a grayish green color. Without pruning, the plant can become leggy and open in form. But with proper care, it will reward you with nonstop flowers that butterflies love.
Growing Conditions for Nanho Purple Butterfly Bush
Buddleia nanho purple does best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of different soil types, as long as the site doesn’t stay overly wet. Some key requirements for this plant include:
- Sun: Needs at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is ideal.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is a must. Average garden soil amended with compost works well.
- Water: Requires regular watering until established, then is somewhat drought tolerant.
- Hardiness: Grows in USDA zones 5-9. Tolerates light frosts.
- pH: Does well in neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
While tolerant of heat, humidity, and short dry spells, this butterfly bush thrives with consistent moisture. Be sure to water it during extended hot, dry periods for best flowering.
How to Plant Nanho Purple Butterfly Bush
You can find nanho purple butterfly bushes at local nurseries in the spring and summer Choose a healthy plant in a 1-3 gallon pot with robust foliage and no signs of disease, insects, or damage
Here are some tips for planting your new butterfly bush
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Pick a site with full sun and well-drained soil. Amend clay soils with organic matter.
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Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Loosen the roots and place in hole.
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Backfill the hole with native soil, tamping down gently to remove air pockets.
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Water deeply after planting to settle the soil. Add 2-3 inches of mulch around base.
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Stake taller plants for support until established.
For best results, plant in spring after the last frost date. This gives the shrub time to establish before winter. But you can also plant in fall at least 6 weeks before your first expected frost.
How to Care for Nanho Purple Butterfly Bushes
This plant is easy to take care of; all it needs is regular watering, proper pruning, and the occasional application of fertilizer. Here are some care tips:
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Watering: Water regularly until established, then 1-2 times per week during droughts.
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Fertilizer: Feed in early spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost.
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Cutting back: Cut stems back by a third to a half in late winter to shape them and help them bloom.
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Deadheading: Remove spent flower clusters to promote continued blooming.
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Pests/diseases: Monitor for aphids and powdery mildew. Avoid overhead watering.
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Winter care: Protect from heavy snow loads. May die back in cold winters then regrow in spring. Cut back any dead stems.
Pruning is important to keep your butterfly bush full, compact, and flowering. Without it, plants become loose, leggy, and less floriferous.
Tips for Getting the Most Flowers
Here are some more tips to help your nanho purple butterfly bushes bloom at their best:
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Prune religiously each late winter to shape and promote dense growth.
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Amend soil with compost or manure annually to provide nutrients.
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Water 1-2 inches per week during drought and extreme heat for lush growth.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer.
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Deadhead spent flowers frequently to encourage continuous blooming.
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Provide afternoon shade in extremely hot climates to reduce flower drop.
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Replace older plants every 3-5 years to ensure vigorous growth and prolific flowering.
Common Problems With Butterfly Bushes
This hardy plant has few issues with pests or diseases when grown in the right conditions. Here are some potential problems to watch for:
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Aphids: Check new growth for these sucking insects and spray off with water or use insecticidal soap.
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Powdery mildew: This fungal disease coats leaves with white powdery growth. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
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Dieback: In cold zones, plants may die back. Prune out dead stems in spring and fertilize to stimulate regrowth.
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Legginess: Prune frequently to maintain a compact, shapely habit.
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Few/no flowers: Ensure plant is getting at least 6 hours of direct sun, prune annually, and fertilize regularly for best flowering.
How to Propagate More Butterfly Bushes
Once established, the nanho purple butterfly bush will likely put out root suckers that can be dug up and replanted. You can also propagate more plants from:
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Cuttings: Take 4-6 inch tip cuttings from new growth in summer. Dip in rooting hormone and plant in potting mix. Keep humid until rooted.
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Seeds: Collect and sow seeds in containers in fall. Seeds need stratification in winter and may not come true from hybrid parent.
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Division: Dig up plant in early spring and divide the root ball, replanting divisions.
Follow proper spacing guidelines when propagating more plants, as butterfly bush can spread aggressively. But when contained, its beauty and appeal to pollinators make it a prized addition to many gardens.
Why Grow Buddleia Nanho Purple?
If you’re seeking a low-maintenance shrub that pumps out blossoms just when the garden needs it most, buddleia nanho purple is an excellent choice. Here are some of the top reasons to grow this butterfly bush:
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Provides late summer blooms when few other plants are in flower.
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Attracts butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to your yard.
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Fragrant flowers are excellent for cutting and floral arrangements.
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Fast growing and fills in quickly in the first 2-3 years.
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Very hardy and adaptable to most climates and soils.
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Requires little care besides pruning and occasional watering/fertilizing.
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Works beautifully in borders, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and informal hedges.
If you have a bare spot that needs some life from midsummer through fall, consider planting one of these vibrant purple butterfly bushes this year. Follow the growing tips above, and you’ll be rewarded with vivid blossoms and plenty of winged visitors.
Sunlight and Watering Needs
Buddleias grow best in full sun. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. This sunlight is important for them to grow healthy and have many flowers. If you plant your Buddleia in a shady spot, it may grow longer stems, have fewer flowers, and be more likely to get sick.
Watering properly is also very important. It’s okay for buddleias to be dry at first, but they still need regular watering, especially when it’s dry. Try to keep the soil moist but not too wet. Watering too much can damage the roots and cause root rot.
A good way to know when to water is to check the soil. If the top inch feels dry, its time to water your Buddleia deeply. Water it well but not too often. This helps the roots grow deeper, making the plant stronger.
Planting your Buddleia the right way is very important for it to grow well in its new place. Before you plant, find a good spot with the right conditions for strong growth.
Look for a place that gets plenty of sunlight and has soil that drains well. This will help stop water from building up and causing root rot. Also, think about how big your Buddleia will get when its fully grown. Make sure there is enough space for it to expand without being squeezed in.
Pruning and Maintenance Tips
Buddleias grow quickly, so they need regular pruning to keep their shape and grow bushier. When you prune correctly, it makes the plant look nicer and helps it bloom more.
Regular pruning also stops the Buddleia from becoming tall and floppy. This way, there is less chance of the stems breaking, especially when it is windy. You should prune at the right time so that you don’t cut off flower buds that are just beginning to form.
Pruning Butterfly Bushes (Buddleia)
FAQ
How big do Nanho purple butterfly bushes get?
‘Nanho Purple’ is a butterfly bush cultivar which features lavender-purple flowers on a compact plant. It is a deciduous shrub with an arching, spreading habit which typically grows to 3-5′ tall if not cut back in late winter and 2-3′ tall if cut back.
Where is the best place to plant Buddleia?
Plant your Buddleia somewhere sunny that will give its arching branches room to spread out without getting in the way of other plants. Because the wood is rather brittle, it is wise to plant this shrub in a sheltered location to lessen the chance of wind damage.
Should Buddleia be cut back every year?
Butterfly bush, Buddlea needs to be cut back every spring once it has reached it’s full size and is well established, after a couple years. Since is a summer bloomer, cutting back early won’t be cutting off any flowering wood. Cut it back at least by half. Two thirds even better.
Is a purple butterfly bush a perennial or annual?
Overall, the Butterfly Bush is an excellent perennial choice for gardens with sun to part sun, well drained soil, and a gardener that loves hummingbirds, butterflies, and other wildlife!.
What is a Nanho Purple Butterfly bush?
The nanho purple butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii nanhoensis) is a deciduous shrub that is native to China. It is named for its clusters of small, purplish-blue flowers that attract butterflies. The nanho purple butterfly bush grows to 6-8 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Do Nanho Purple butterfly bushes need full sun?
The bush can be planted in full sun or partial shade. It will grow in full sun but will bloom more profusely in partial shade. So, like the other butterfly bushes, the nanho purple butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii Nanho Purple) requires full sun to partial sun for best growth and flowering.
When does a Nanho Purple Butterfly bush Bloom?
The nanho purple butterfly bush blooms from late summer to early fall. It is propagated by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer. It can also be propagated by seed, but it may not come true to type. The nanho purple butterfly bush is a popular choice for gardens, butterfly gardens, and naturalized areas.
Can You overwater a Nanho Purple Butterfly bush?
Take care not to overwater your nanho purple butterfly bush, as this can lead to root rot. Once established, your nanho purple butterfly bush is relatively drought tolerant. In colder climates, you may need to provide protection for your bush during the winter months.
How do you care for a Nanho Purple Butterfly bush?
Fertilize your nanho purple butterfly bush every few weeks during the growing season. Prune your bush regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, which can damage the leaves of your bush. Take care not to overwater your nanho purple butterfly bush, as this can lead to root rot.
What is a ‘Nanho Purple’ shrub?
If you are looking for smaller less wild-looking shrubs, B. ‘Nanho Purple’ is the one to go for and also more compact than B. ‘Nanho Blue’. Silvery gray green leaves make a beautiful background for the deep purple flowers with an orange throat.