Buddleja davidii White Ball White - Butterfly Bush

The Buddleia davidii 'White Profusion' is a beautiful white version of the butterfly bush, particularly vigorous and floriferous. The bush forms a beautiful, broad, dense mass with a slightly greyish-green colour, slightly spreading, from which opulent white panicles emerge throughout the summer, resembling candles on its vegetation. They emit a sweet honey scent and are rich in nectar, much to the delight of butterflies and other pollinators. Its cultivation poses no difficulty in ordinary, even mediocre and occasionally dry soil. The Buddleias, majestic in the background, are often the centrepiece of large shrub beds and flowering hedges, and rightfully so.

The Buddleia davidii 'White Profusion' is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub, depending on the climate, belonging to the family of Buddlejaceae. This superb American cultivar, obtained by Schmidt around 1945, comes from, among others, the David's Buddleia, also called Father David's Buddleia or Changing Buddleia. These robust Chinese species have become invasive in our climates. 'White Profusion' is considered one of the best in the white category.

The bush has a dense, open and gracefully spreading habit, supported by arching branches, reaching an average height of 3 m (9.8 ft) with a spread of 4 m (13.1 ft) within 7 or 8 years, depending on the growing conditions. It blooms from July to September, producing an abundance of 30 to 40 cm (11.8 to 15.7 in) long, broad and very dense flower panicles. These flowers are white with a yellow eye and release a honey scent, beautiful to pollinating insects. The ornamental foliage of this Butterfly Bush consists of long, somewhat dark greyish-green leaves with a more greyish-downy underside. The leaves, 15 to 25 cm (5.9 to 9.8 in) long, are pointed and lanceolate. They will persist in regions where frosts are not too severe or prolonged. This hardy bush is resistant to urban pollution and does not suffer from occasional drought if planted in deep soil.

Whether planted individually or in groups, in a hedge, at the corner of a terrace, or at the back of a perennial bed, the Buddleia davidii 'White Profusion' will enhance the garden in a unique way. This variety is particularly suitable for a white garden. Its bright inflorescences, animated by a constant flight of butterflies, are a spectacle in themselves. They also highlight the summer lilacs' red, pink, mauve, or blue flowers. You can also plant it in a free hedge with English climbing roses, hawthorns, ornamental apple trees, or other cherry trees. It adapts well in coastal areas. Its fragrant flowers are also beautiful in bouquets. For an elegant contrast, you can also associate this Butterfly Bush with tall grasses (Miscanthus, Panicum, Deschampsia).