Charming Summer had the largest blooms, or panicles, reaching 7.9 inches in length, followed by Pink Delight at 6.9 inches, Royal Red at 6.1 inches, White Profusion at 6 inches and Nanho Blue at 5.4 inches. Empire Blue didn't score as well for the vase, but its color is extraordinary. It has deep violet blue blooms with orange eyes. Suggested harvesting time for maximum vase life is when half the flowers on the inflorescence are open but before the open flowers start to fade. Flowers should last from five to eight days if properly conditioned.
Buddleias are beautiful, undemanding plants that can be used as specimen or planted in mass.
They are easily transplanted and survive most stresses, including people like me who have a propensity for moving plants at the wrong time of the year. Plant in well-drained soil. Once they are established, watch for the flight of the swallowtails. The butterfly bush is also very easy to propagate by cuttings. Dab on a little rooting powder and you are off to the races.