DESCRIPTION

Butterfly bush - this shrub has lush growth, and erect shoots. It grows to about 2 m in height. Its leaves are lance-shaped, with the underneath of the leaf covered with white/grey hair. It blooms all summer. The flowers are very impressive - white with a yellow centre, collected in about 40 cm elongated clusters.

ADVICES

This shrub grows best in a warm, sunny position. The plant prefers drained, fairly fertile and moderately moist soil. The pH should be neutral or alkaline.

During the summer, the soil under the shrub should be shallowly aerated because the plant is sensitive to a lack of air. Also it is beneficial to mulch the soil around the shrub with a thin layer of mulching material such as pine bark, peat, leaves or sawdust. This will prevent weed growth, and heat loss. During drought, the plant should be watered. After flowering cut the faded flowers, and fertilize with a multi-component fertilizer. In the winter, cover the plant well. Pruning should be carried out in the spring, after the last frost. Reduce the shrub by half its height, but not less than 1 m from the ground. Very old stems should be cut 10 cm above the ground.