Buddleja are deciduous shrubs grown for their clusters of bright and fragrant, nectar-rich flowers during summer. These summer blooms are a favourite food source for butterflies, hence the common name ‘butterfly bush’. Compact varieties are a low-maintenance option for patio containers as well as borders. This valuable wildlife enhancing plant can be grown in all situations in a sunny position and tolerates most soil types.

How to plant

— Bare root Buddleja should be unpacked on the day of arrival as it will need moisture and daylight. They're supplied in spring for planting between February and May, they should be planted soon after delivery. If you can't plant straight away, remove the plant from the packaging and place it in a bucket of water outside so it can soak, then plant within a week.

— Compact Buddleja varieties can be grown in borders or patio containers. If you decide to plant it into a patio container, use a pot which is at least 30cm diamater and a soil-based compost. This is denser than multipurpose and won't so easily shrink or dry out over the growing season.

— If planting directly into a border, dig a hole in the border which is large enough to fit the full root system. The roots should be fully submerged after planting, and the stem/branches should be left exposed above the soil surface. Ensure the hole is the correct depth so that the soil is level with the point at which the roots meet the stem. Remove weeds and excess growth from neighbouring plants which could smother or compete with the new shrub, and dig over the planting area in advance to soften the soil.

— Improve the immediate growing conditions by mixing in organic matter like compost or leaf mould to the planting hole, this provides a soft medium for the new roots to settle into and a boost of nutrients.

— Position the shrub in the hole with the most attractive side of the shrub facing towards the garden. When the shrub is in place, backfill the hole and firm down. Water thoroughly straight after planting.

— In areas where the growing conditions are more challening (heavy clay soil, dry poor soil or a crowded planting area), it is better to pot up your bare root shrub and grow it outdoors in the pot until it is more established before transferring it into the border. Pot up into a in a 20-30cm container using multipurpose or soil-based compost, water thoroughly and grow-on in a sheltered, sunny spot outside. The plant can be transplanted to a suitable growing position once growth is more established and the plant easily comes out of the temporary pot with the soil held intact in a root ball - you may see roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes in the base of the pot.

— When planting into the garden, choose a position in full sun or very light shade. Buddleja does best in a well-drained soil.

— This shrub is deciduous and will lose its leaves in autumn. It is fully hardy and does not require winter protection.

— Water when planted and regularly for the first year while the plant settles in Once established, watering should only be necessary during prolonged dry spells.

Aftercare

— Minimal aftercare is required besides pruning to maintain shape and vigour, and the removal of any dead stems. Buddleja should be pruned in autumn or winter. You can prune each branch back by around a third, or by half if needed.

— When pruning, cut just above a point where there are buds forming.

— An annual mulch around the base of the shrub will help to maintain soil moisture and boost nutrient content in the soil.

— If growing in a pot, add a slow-release fertiliser and a top up of fresh soil annually to maintain health, or use a liquid feed fortnightly between the April to September while the plant is in active growth.

— Deadhead any faded flowers as they appear, this often encourages a second flush of flowers.

Read further general instructions about planting bare-root shrubs