Description
Buddleja nivea | Woolly Butterfly Bush
Woolly Butterfly Bush, a Snow White Butterfly Bush is an upright deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub that is primarily grown in gardens for its foliage and stems, both of which are densely covered with an attractive white-woolly indumentum (felt-like fuzz), which sort of covers the pale purple blooms from view. The flowers are mildly fragrant and attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Leaves are long and narrow with silvery undersides and serrated edges. The Latin word niveus means snowy or snow white.
Buddleja nivea is native to open woodlands, forest margins, and mountain thickets in southern China. It typically grows to 6-10 ft tall and to 8 ft wide unless pruned or killed back due to overly harsh weather.
Grows best in full sun in sharply drained, sandy or gravely soils. Does not like overly wet conditions. Prune in spring whenever you want to make it more shapely.
Generally thrives in zones 7-9 where it can remain semi-evergreen. It tolerates temperatures down to about 5°F with good conditions and drainage, though it needs shelter in colder areas.
Start seeds indoors with heat, humidity, and light. Do not cover tiny seeds with soil. Allow 2-4 weeks to germinate.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 7-9 ft
Mature width: 7 ft
Hardiness zones: 7-9
