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Red Buddleia in Zone 5, Anyone Have Success?

16 years ago

I just purchased a red buddleia and have heard that for some reason, the red and pink aren't as hardy as the blue and purple, has anyone else heard that?

Is anyone growing a red buddleia and if so has it sustained the long winter of zone 5? How tall/wide does it get and what do you have planted with it?

Many thanks in advance!

Linda

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Comments (6)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
16 years ago
i went through about 20 B's over the years ...

most of the small ones... babes.. died the first winter...

a couple bigger plants.. made it a year or two ... but eventually didnt come back ...

all colors.. didnt matter ....

if budget is an issue .... take it back if possible ...

butterflies are attracted to a zillion plants with flowers... you dont need a butterfly bush to enjoy them ...

good luck

ken
LindaMA
Original Author
16 years ago
That's what I was afraid of, wonder why people who sell them claim that they're hardy to zone 5 then. There are a few growing in my neighborhood, they are much larger but they do very well and come back every year. So the trick must be to buy a large BB and not one that's just getting started.

Actually I didn't buy it particularly for the butterflies, I bought it because I like the way they look and smell, they are very pretty.

Thanks for your response!
Linda
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mmqchdygg
15 years ago
Although mine isn't red, I'd love to see yours! My experience is this: I've read they are 'questionable' to Zone 5, so a heavy mulching is in order for winter. I'm just north of you about 30 miles from Seacoast NH, and I got mine to winter over fine this year. I happened to have a pile of that straw-stuff that is sometimes used as packing material, so I stuffed that on/around it, and as you know, we had a TON of snow. So it was well-covered for the winter.
I'll do the same this year. Hope that helps!
Mine is ...uh...Ellen's Blue? I think. Not blooming yet up here.
linlily
15 years ago
I have Royal Red,a seedling type from a friend, unknown left by previous owners,Pink Delight, and Dubonnet. I have lost a few BB's over the years while living in the same area - a Pink Delight and a Nanho Purple.

Royal Red is NOT red, but more like a fuschia. It is now a year old and has come back fine. All my others are at least three years old or older, and I've had a lot of success. It it were me, I'd look for the largest size plant that you can find at a reasonable price. And just keep trying until you get one that likes where it's planted. Definitely mulch. I think if you can keep it over at least one winter, you'll stand a better chance of having it for a long time.

I never trim mine back until I see new bottom growth in the spring - it may be as late as May. And, stay away from
Nanho varieties. They are not hardy here in zone 5/6, so would probably not be hardy for you in zone 5.

Linda
tiffy_z5_6_can
15 years ago
I winter sowed mine and have two which are 5 years old.

Last winter was crazy in that we had 7 freeze/thaw cycles. I don't mulch and out of 13 new seedlings planted on the property in 2007, 9 returned and are growing like crazy. These are white and lavender colours.

This year I winter sowed Pink Delight, Royal Red, Attraction, and Purple Prince. Great germination. Most will be placed in pots to overwinter in a holding bed. Those which make it will be permanently placed in the holding bed in the spring of 2009. If too many make it, then my family had better make room. :O)
FrozeBudd_z3/4
15 years ago
If planted deeply and situated up against the south foundation of your home, I have heard of success even in zone 3. This spirng I planted both Bicolor and Pink Delight as such, the crown is about 5 or 6 inches down and I'll hill them up for winter, they just have to make it thought I'm sure! The extra heat provided will also help get them off to an earlier spring start.

Terry

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