Orange Ball Tree Buddleja

Unlike the more common butterfly bush, Buddleja globosa is semi-evergreen and features unique, spherical clusters of bright orange, honey-scented flowers. These globose heads appear in early summer and are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The leaves are long, lance-shaped, and wrinkled with a silvery-grey underside. It is a large, vigorous shrub with an upright, somewhat open habit, often reaching 3 to 4 metres in height. In the UK, it is fully hardy but does best in a sheltered spot away from cold, drying winds. It requires well-drained soil and thrives in full sun. Essential maintenance involves pruning after flowering; however, unlike Buddleja davidii, it should not be cut back hard to the ground, but rather have its flowered stems reduced to strong new shoots lower down. It is an excellent choice for the back of a large border or a wilder part of the garden where its architectural form and scent can be enjoyed. Its South American origin gives it a slightly exotic appearance.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Any well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.