Buddleja davidii White Ball - Butterfly Bush

Buddleia davidii 'White Ball' is a new variety of butterfly bush, with a compact and gracefully open habit, ideal for small spaces. This bush offers snowy white panicles in summer, shorter than those of other varieties. Its countless small white flowers with yellow hearts, gathered in dense clusters, emerge from beautiful silver-green foliage. The sweet fragrance of the flowers attracts many butterflies. This sterile variety is not invasive and its modest size is particularly suited to small spaces and perennial beds.

Buddleia davidii 'White Ball' is a deciduous bush with a spreading and compact habit, belonging to the Scrophulariaceae (buddleja) family. This recent hybrid is derived from David's buddleia, also known as Father David's buddleia or Changing buddleia, a robust Chinese species that has become invasive in our climate. 'White Ball' does not produce seeds. This bush will reach about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) in height and 1.5 m to 2 m (4.9 ft to 6.6 ft) in width. It produces stout and arching branches that give it a lovely bushy habit. It grows rapidly and blooms from July to September, producing an abundance of dense panicles of flowers measuring 15 cm to 25 cm (5.9 in to 9.8 in) long. These flowers are white with a yellow eye and release a sweet scent, highly sought after by pollinating insects (meaning they contain substances collected by pollinating insects that will be transformed into honey). The highly ornamental foliage of this butterfly tree is composed of long silver-green leaves, with a grey downy underside. The leaves, 12 cm to 20 cm (4.7 in to 7.9 in) long, are pointed and lanceolate. This hardy bush is highly resistant to urban pollution and does not suffer from occasional drought in deep soil.

Whether planted alone or in a group, in a hedge or at the back of a perennial bed, Buddleia davidii 'White Ball' will enhance the garden. Its subtly silver-toned foliage will highlight red roses or the colourful panicles of summer lilacs. You can also plant it in a small, free-form hedge to separate themed areas in the garden. It adapts well to coastal areas and can be grown in large pots. Its fragrant flowers are also beautiful in bouquets. You can pair this white buddleia with yellow or orange-flowering shrubby cinquefoils or daylilies for an elegant contrast.