Buddleja Butterfly Candy Little Ruby

2-3 Litre Pot

• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well drained
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Flowering Period: Summer – Autumn
• Hardiness: H6
• Eventual Height: 0.5 – 1m
• Eventual Spread: 0.5 – 1m

Buddleja Candy Little Ruby, also known as ‘Butterfly Bush’ is a compact, deciduous shrub known for its vibrant flower spikes and attractive foliage. This dwarf butterfly bush typically grows to a height of about 1 metre with a similar spread, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens, containers, or as part of a mixed border. The plant produces dense clusters of rich ruby-red flowers from mid Summer to early Autumn, creating a striking contrast against the slender, grey-green leaves.

The blooms are not only visually appealing but also highly fragrant, attracting a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees, making it a favourite in wildlife-friendly gardens. Buddleja Candy Little Ruby is easy to care for, thriving in well-drained soil and full sun.

Looking After Your Buddleja Butterfly Candy Little Ruby

• Planting Location:  Plant in a location that receives full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, 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 Candy Little Ruby will reward you with its stunning ruby-red blooms and attract pollinators, enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of your garden.