Buddleja saligna

(c) magdastlucia, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by magdastlucia via iNaturalist

Species

Squarestem Butterflybush

Buddleja saligna

Squarestem Butterflybush is a fragrant shrub known for attracting butterflies and its unique square stems.

Also known as: Squarestem Butterflybush

Buddleja saligna, commonly known as Squarestem Butterflybush, is native to southern Africa, particularly in regions with a temperate climate. This perennial shrub typically reaches heights of 1.5 to 3 meters, exhibiting a distinctive square-shaped stem that contributes to its common name. The growth habit is upright and bushy, with a somewhat open form that allows for light penetration, promoting a healthy growth environment. The leaves are lanceolate, measuring 5 to 10 cm in length, and are covered in fine hairs that give them a silvery-green appearance. The plant produces clusters of fragrant, tubular flowers that can be white to pale lavender, attracting a variety of pollinators, particularly butterflies, hence its common name. The fruit is a small capsule containing numerous tiny seeds, which are dispersed by wind and water, aiding in its propagation in suitable habitats.

Care Guide

🌱 Hardiness Zone
Zone 5–9
🪨 Soil
well-drained soil
☀️ Light
full sun
💧 Water
moderate moisture
🌿 Fertilization
light feeding in spring

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Browse This Plant's Classification

Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Magnoliophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Scrophulariales
Family Buddlejaceae
Genus Buddleja
Species Buddleja saligna