Buddleja Berries and Cream

2-3 Litre Pot

• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well drained
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Flowering Period: Summer – Autumn
• Hardiness: H6
• Eventual Height: 2.5 – 4m
• Eventual Spread: 1 – 1.5m

Buddleja ‘Berries and Cream’ is a striking and unique variety of ‘Butterfly Bush’, admired for its bi-coloured blooms and long Summer flowering season. As the name suggests, it produces eye-catching flower spikes in a delicious blend of deep purple (“berries”) and creamy white, often appearing in mixed or marbled patterns on the same panicle — a rare and beautiful trait among Buddlejas.

Flowering from mid to late Summer into early Autumn, this deciduous shrub not only adds vibrant colour to the garden but also attracts a host of pollinators, especially butterflies, and bees. The blooms are sweetly scented, adding to their appeal in borders or near seating areas.

Reaching around 4 metres in height, it has a bushy habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens, urban spaces, or containers. Its silver-green foliage adds texture and contrasts beautifully with the vivid flowers.

Tough, drought-tolerant once established, and easy to care for, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s perfect for wildlife gardens, cottage borders, or any planting scheme needing a splash of bold, two-toned colour.

Looking After Your Buddleja Berries and Cream

• Planting Location:  Plant in a location that receives full sun to encourage abundant flowering and healthy growth.
• Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained. While it is adaptable to various soil types, it performs best in moderately fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
• Watering:  Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and typically only needs watering during extended dry periods.
• Fertilising: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early Spring to promote healthy growth and profuse blooming. Avoid over fertilising as it can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers, so use fertilisers sparingly.
• Pruning: Prune in late Winter or early Spring before new growth begins. This helps maintain the plant’s compact shape and encourages more vigorous flowering. Cut back old and weak stems to about 30 cm from the ground. Removing spent flower spikes during the blooming season (deadheading) can also promote continued flowering.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the shrub in Spring. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool.
• Winter Care: Is hardy in many regions but may benefit from a protective layer of mulch in colder climates to shield the roots from extreme frost.  In colder areas, the plant may die back to the ground but will usually regrow from the base in Spring.

By following these care guidelines, Buddleja Berries and Cream will reward you with its stunning blooms and attract pollinators, enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of your garden.