The ‘Nova’ Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii ‘Nova’) is a compact, reblooming shrub that adds appeal to many garden settings. It provides continuous color throughout the growing season and is well-regarded for attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, enriching the garden’s ecosystem.
Understanding the Nova Plant
The ‘Nova’ Butterfly Bush is a deciduous shrub with a dense, bushy growth habit. It typically reaches 3 to 5 feet in both height and spread, making it a smaller alternative to larger Buddleja davidii cultivars. Its lance-shaped leaves are often gray-green on top with a whitish, felt-like underside.
The ‘Nova’ series produces vibrant, fragrant flowers in dense, conical clusters. These blooms vary in color, commonly appearing in shades of purple, pink, or white, sometimes with an orange eye. Blooming begins in early summer and continues until the first frost.
Planting and Site Selection
For optimal growth, plant ‘Nova’ Butterfly Bush in full sun, receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate sunlight is essential for robust growth and abundant flowering.
It prefers well-drained soil with average fertility. Good drainage is crucial, as waterlogged conditions, especially during winter, can be detrimental. The plant thrives in soil pH from 5.5 to 8.5, indicating its adaptability to slightly acidic to moderately alkaline conditions. Incorporating organic compost and grit into heavier clay soils can significantly improve drainage before planting.
When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with amended soil, firming it gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, ‘Nova’ Butterfly Bushes are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering during dry periods, especially in their first growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent root issues.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and prolific flowering. Apply a balanced granular fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. A general-purpose fertilizer with a higher potassium content is particularly beneficial for flower development. Alternatively, a liquid feed can be applied periodically throughout the growing season to encourage continuous bloom.
Pruning is a significant aspect of caring for Buddleja davidii ‘Nova’ to maintain its compact shape and promote continuous flowering. Since this variety blooms on new wood, the most effective pruning is a hard cut in late winter or early spring, just as new growth begins to appear and the risk of hard frost has passed. Cut back the previous year’s growth significantly, often to about 12 to 18 inches from the ground, leaving a strong framework of branches. This encourages the development of new, strong shoots that will bear the season’s flowers. Deadheading spent flower spikes throughout the summer can also encourage additional flushes of blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
Propagation and Troubleshooting
Propagating ‘Nova’ Butterfly Bush is achieved through cuttings. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings are most effective, taken from late spring through mid-August. Select non-flowering shoots 4 to 6 inches long. Remove lower leaves, leaving two to three at the top, and optionally dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Insert cuttings into a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. High humidity, perhaps with a plastic bag over the pot, aids rooting, which usually occurs within a few weeks.
Gardeners may encounter a few common issues with Butterfly Bushes. A lack of blooms can stem from insufficient sunlight or over-fertilization with nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Leggy growth, where stems become long and sparse, is often a result of insufficient pruning; consistent annual hard pruning helps maintain a bushy, compact form.
While generally robust, ‘Nova’ Butterfly Bushes can occasionally face pest or disease challenges. Aphids and spider mites may cause crinkled or discolored leaves. Ensuring adequate watering and good air circulation can help deter these pests.
Fungal issues like powdery mildew or downy mildew can occur in overly damp conditions; proper plant spacing and avoiding overhead watering can reduce their incidence. Root rot can result from poor drainage, leading to wilting and decline. If a plant shows signs of severe disease or persistent problems, removing affected parts or, in severe cases, the entire plant, can prevent spread.
Landscaping Uses and Benefits
The ‘Nova’ Butterfly Bush offers significant versatility in garden design due to its compact size. It functions well as a border plant, providing continuous color and texture at the front or middle of a planting bed. Its controlled growth habit also makes it an excellent choice for container gardening, allowing it to be featured on patios, balconies, or other confined spaces. It can be used effectively in mass plantings to create a vibrant display of color, or as a specimen plant, drawing attention to its unique form and abundant blooms.
Beyond its aesthetic contribution, the ‘Nova’ Butterfly Bush provides notable ecological benefits. Its nectar-rich flowers are a strong attractant for a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, contributing to local biodiversity. The plant’s long blooming period ensures a consistent food source for these beneficial insects throughout the summer and into autumn. While adult butterflies are drawn to the nectar, it is important to note that Buddleja davidii does not typically serve as a host plant for butterfly larvae.