Description
Buddleja saligna (formerly B. corrugata, B. salicifolia, Callicarpa paniculate, Chilianthus arboreus, Chilianthus olraceus | Olive Butterfly Bush
Olive Butterfly Bush, also called Climbing Buddleja, False Olive, Bastard Olive, and Olive Sagewood, is endemic to southern Africa and has the widest distribution of any Buddleja species in South Africa. Saligna means willow-like, referring to the similar appearance of its leathery, evergreen leaves which resemble that of the true olive tree (Olea). In summer it puts out masses of tiny off-white or cream colored flowers that are pleasantly honey-scented and usually occur in profusion on pyramidal-shaped panicles at the end of new wood. Buddleja saligna wood is hard and strong, with a high density, which floats in fresh water. It makes excellent plant stakes, fence poles, or small pieces of furniture. The wood burns with intense heat and can make a great fuel. too.
Olive Butterfly Bush is a large evergreen shrub or tree with a branched, bushy habit that can reach over 30-40 ft tall. However, garden specimens usually remain smaller or can be kept smaller by regular pruning.
Most often found growing on the slopes of mountains, dry hillsides, in forest margins, damp gullies, and among boulders. It can grow in poor soils, near or far to water, and in frost and drought conditions. These all account for its wide distribution. A good garden choice as it can grow in almost any soil with its non-aggressive roots, and can be planted for hedging or as a shade tree in the garden. It can also make a very interesting prospect for a bonsai project.
Plant seeds are easy to germinate and plants are quick growing– up to 4 ft per year. Our seed plants reached 3+ ft in pots the first summer.
Pollinated by moths and other unusual pollinators.
We sourced our B. saligna seeds from overseas after many years of looking, and as far as we are aware, we are one of the only companies in the United States to offer this plant for sale.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature height: 30-40 ft
Mature width: 20 ft
Hardiness zones: 10-11
The plant you will receive will be one of these plants or a similar one.
Please note: We ship plants orders out on Mondays and Tuesdays only.