Description
Buddleja virgata (formerly Gomphostigma virgatum) | Twiggy Butterfly Bush (Otter Bush — Otterbossie)
Twiggy Butterfly Bush, also known as Otter Bush and River Star, is a fast-growing evergreen South African shrub that was once considered a relative of Buddleja, but recent phylogenetic research has sunk it under genus Buddleja. (Virgata means made of twigs, or ‘twiggy’.)
Delicate, slender silver-gray foliage create a 4-6’ tall and 2-4’ wide shrub with a common broom or a rosemary like appearance with small, delicately scented white flowers that are arranged in erect spikes and bloom sporadically late spring through fall. It grows naturally into an arching vase shape, but can be pruned to make it more bushy. ‘Otterbush’ grows naturally between boulders at the edges of streams, making it a fine overhanging plant at the edge of a pond or a water feature. Does well as a container plant or anywhere in the garden that receives regular watering. Provide well-draining soil in full sun. Will tolerate some shade. It may be pruned hard in early spring to encourage bushiness and more prolific flowering.
Start seeds indoors with heat, humidity, and light, or scatter outside. Allow up to 2 weeks to germinate.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 4-6 ft
Mature width: 2-4 ft
Hardiness zones: 7-10
