Description

Totally unlike the tall and leggy Buddleia of the past, ‘Orchid Annie’ maintains a compact, refined habit. 8” orchid purple flower panicles appear above a perfect rounded shrub a few weeks sooner than you would expect for a Butterfly Bush. Although the best blooming power is in its initial bloom, this beauty will bloom on shorter secondary panicles well into early fall. The word “humdinger” is defined as “something that is very impressive or exciting.” That word definitely applies to this new collection of Buddleia! This collection features five new varieties of Butterfly Bush, each blooming a few weeks earlier than the members of the MONARCH® Collection. In addition to blooming starting in midsummer, each of these varieties has a compact habit and shorter stature. No matter what space you need to fill, Walters Gardens, Inc. hybridizing has a Butterfly Bush that will fit in your garden! Buddleias should be planted in a full sun location with fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Studies have shown that adding lime to the soil will result in increased growth and better floral quality. They are also moderately drought tolerant once established. Since they frequently die all the way back to the ground in northern winters, it is best to cut back all of the old wood to about 12" in the spring. Doing so will result in more compact plants. They will quickly grow back to their normal height by fall and will flower just as prolifically in late summer since they bloom on new wood. You may notice that the flowers tend to be longer and deeper colored in cooler weather. Buddleias tend to break dormancy late in the spring, so don't worry if you don't see anything happening with them when your other shrubs start to leaf-out. These are very durable and reliable plants. 'Orchid Annie' quickly reaches 3' tall and spreads 4'.