Buddleja davidii Argus White - Butterfly Bush

Buddleja 'Argus White', also known as Buddleja Argus White 'Ilvoargus01', is a new dwarf variety offering unique characteristics. It is non-invasive, unlike the species type. It has an extraordinarily compact habit and abundant, long-lasting flowering spikes of pure white that renew from June to October. Hardy and robust, this dwarf bush can be grown in containers or in the ground and will provide your garden with natural elegance and simplicity!

The Buddleja genus includes around a hundred species of deciduous or evergreen bushes, native to China, Africa, South Asia, and South America. They are named after Adam Buddle, a famous English botanist from the 17th century.

Bred in Belgium, Buddleja 'Argus White' is the result of 8 years of research. This bush reveals unique characteristics for a buddleja that promise great success. Unlike the species type, 'Argus White' is sterile and therefore poses no risk of invasion. Its uniqueness also comes from its exceptionally compact habit which gives it an elegant appearance, less wild than a classic buddleja. This fast-growing dwarf bush barely reaches over 1 m (3.3 ft) in height at maturity with an almost equivalent spread. With its dense and compact vegetation, it forms a generous and well-proportioned bush. Its foliage is deciduous and luxuriant, with a green-grey colour and silver undersides. Its leaves are slender, single, opposite, and lanceolate, and measure over 10 cm (3.9 in). They have a finely dentate margin. Its slender foliage gives it a structural aspect that will accentuate a contemporary decoration.

'Argus White' is endowed with a generous and long-lasting flowering that begins in June and finishes in October, or even with the first frost. The bush is then covered with numerous spikes of a pure white colour that rise above its foliage. These inflorescences are composed of small tubular flowers gathered in long, slender, conical panicles at the tips of the branches. They form dense, slightly arched clusters that can measure up to 30 cm (11.8 in) long. This flowering diffuses a pleasant sweet scent that attracts butterflies and bees and brings life to the garden.

Buddleja davidii naturally grows in dry soils, on slopes, and even on riverbanks. It is highly resistant to pollution and can also be found near highways or railways. It is a very hardy bush that can withstand temperatures below -20° C (-4° F). It prefers sunny or slightly shaded locations, sheltered from strong winds, and tolerates all types of soils, even poor and chalky ones.

Easy to cultivate and resistant to diseases, Buddleja 'Argus White' will reveal its beauty without difficulties!

'Argus White' is a dwarf bush that can be easily grown in a pot. Its elegant habit and refined flowering will adorn terraces and balconies for a long time. While its modest dimensions may not allow it to be planted in isolation, it will easily find its place within a flower bed or a low hedge, surrounded by dark-foliaged or brightly flowering bushes such as Common Myrtle, Ceanothus 'Skylark', or Japanese Spiraea 'Pleniflora'. You can also use it as a border plant, with other compact bushes like Japanese Barberry 'Bonanza Gold' or 'Heavenly Blue' Bluebeard.