Botanical Name: Buddleja alternifolia 'Argentea'
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Common Name: Silver Fountain Butterfly Bush  
Plant photo of: Buddleja alternifolia 'Argentea'
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Water Saving Tip:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

Lavender, Pink

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green, Silver

 

Bark Color

Brown, Grey

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

Winter, Fall

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring

 

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Screen

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

Silver Fountain Butterfly Bush is a wonderful, deciduous shrub with long arching stems of lilac flowers. The cultivar 'Argentea' has silver backed leaves. This buddleia is large, growing up to 12 feet tall, and 8 to 10 feet wide. Unlike B. davidii, this buddleia blooms mid to late spring. Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. B. alternifolia produces seed pods, which add to the plant's winter interest.
This group of buddleia flower on old wood, so prune immediately after flowering. Best growth and flowering occur when planted in full sun, though will tolerate light shade (though it may not flower as profusely). Grow in any well drained soil; not tolerant of wet soils. Very low water demand.