Description

Buddleja ‘Little White’ is a fast-growing deciduous shrub that earns its place in any garden. Little White is a compact butterfly bush with fragrant white flower spikes from summer to autumn. It is ideal for small gardens and containers.

Buddleja, the butterfly bush, is one of the best plants for attracting butterflies. Its long, honey-scented flower spikes appear from midsummer into autumn, and modern compact varieties bring the same wildlife value to small gardens and patio pots.

Key features of Buddleja ‘Little White’

• Plant type: Fast-growing deciduous shrub
• Season of interest: Summer to early autumn
• Look: White flowers on a compact shrub
• Height and spread: 1m x 1m
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Any well-drained soil, including poor and chalky ground
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Supplied in: 3L pot
• Best for: wildlife and pollinator borders, cottage gardens, containers, wildlife gardens

Why choose Buddleja ‘Little White’?

• Compact white butterfly bush
• Fragrant white flowers
• Ideal for pots

Where to plant Buddleja ‘Little White’

Buddleja ‘Little White’ grows best in full sun, in any well-drained soil, including poor and chalky ground. It is a good choice for wildlife and pollinator borders, and also works well for cottage gardens, containers and wildlife gardens. Plant with lavender, echinacea, sedums and verbena for a summer wildlife border.

How to plant Buddleja ‘Little White’

Water the plant well in its pot an hour before planting. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth, loosen the soil at the base, and mix in some garden compost. Set the plant at the same level it sat in the pot, backfill, firm gently and water in thoroughly.

How to care for Buddleja ‘Little White’

Water during the first summer. Established plants are drought-tolerant and need little feeding. Cut back hard in March to keep it compact and flowering well; deadhead through summer. Cut back hard in March to a low framework to keep it compact and flowering well. Deadhead through summer for more flowers. Generally trouble-free; can self-seed in some areas.

Growing Buddleja ‘Little White’ in a pot

Dwarf varieties grow well in containers of multi-purpose compost with added John Innes.

Grown in the UK, for UK gardens

We grow our plants ourselves at St Annes in North West England. Raised outdoors and under cover in UK conditions, they are acclimatised, well rooted and ready to plant on arrival. This Buddleja ‘Little White’ is supplied in a 3L pot. Container-grown plants can be planted almost all year round, as long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged; autumn and spring are ideal.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Buddleja ‘Little White’ grow?
Buddleja ‘Little White’ typically reaches 1m x 1m, depending on position, soil and pruning.

When does Buddleja ‘Little White’ look its best?
Its main season of interest is summer to early autumn, when it shows white flowers on a compact shrub.

Is Buddleja ‘Little White’ hardy?
Fully hardy.

How do I prune Buddleja ‘Little White’?
Cut back hard in March to a low framework to keep it compact and flowering well. Deadhead through summer for more flowers.

Why is Buddleja ‘Little White’ called a butterfly bush?
Its nectar-rich, scented flowers are a favourite with butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

When should I prune Buddleja ‘Little White’?
Cut back hard in early spring (March) to encourage strong growth and plenty of flowers.

Add Buddleja ‘Little White’ to your basket today and enjoy summer to early autumn interest in your garden.