Buddleja davidii Gulliver - Butterfly Bush

Buddleja davidii 'Gulliver' is a giant in the world of butterfly bushes, not because of its stature, but in terms of the size of its opulent mauve-lilac inflorescences. They bloom abundantly throughout the summer, emitting a sweet and honeyed fragrance that attracts numerous pollinating insects. This medium-sized variety blends well in a free hedge or a large shrub border.

Buddleja davidii 'Gulliver' is a bushy and dense shrub belonging to the Scrophulariaceae (Buddlejaceae) family. This recently selected hybrid in England is derived, among others, from Buddleja davidii, also known as Father David's buddleja or Changing buddleja, a robust Chinese species. 'Gulliver' will reach approximately 1.75 m (6 ft) in height and 1.5 to 2 m (5 to 7 ft) in width. It produces arching branches that give it an attractively bushy and slightly trailing habit. With rapid growth, it blooms from July to September, producing an abundance of paniculate flowers measuring 25 to 30 cm (9 to 12 in) in length and 10 cm (4 in) in width. These flowers are mauve with an orange eye and release a sweet fragrance highly sought-after by pollinating insects (meaning they contain substances collected by pollinating insects that they will transform into honey). The highly ornamental foliage of this butterfly bush is composed of long grey-green leaves with a lighter grey pubescence on the underside. The pointed and lanceolate leaves measure 12 to 20 cm (5 to 8 in) in length. This hardy shrub is highly resistant to urban pollution and does not suffer from occasional drought in deep soil.

Whether planted individually or in groups, in a hedge or at the back of a perennial border, Buddleja davidii 'Gulliver' will enliven the garden throughout the summer. It can be planted in a medium-sized free hedge, alongside hibiscus, lilacs, hawthorns, flowering apples, Poncirus, deciduous euonymus, and Pseudocydonia sinensis. It adapts well to coastal areas and easily finds its place in any garden, even a modest-sized one. Its pleasantly fragrant flowers are also beautiful in bouquets.