Plant Profile: Buddleja Lo & Behold® 'Blue Chip'

Buddleja 'Blue Chip' thrives in average, well-drained soils and requires full sunlight for optimal growth. If it does not receive adequate sunlight, it may become weedy and produce fewer flowers. Like all Buddleja varieties, it needs moderate moisture levels; however, consistently wet soil can lead to root rot. When planting in clay soil, it's advisable to enrich the soil with compost and position the base of the plant slightly above ground level.

In colder climates, 'Blue Chip' may die back to the ground during winter but will sprout anew from the crown in the spring. In areas where the above-ground growth survives winter, cutting the plant back to the ground in late winter can promote more vigorous spring growth, improve its shape, and increase flowering. While deadheading can encourage further blooms, it is not essential. This variety produces few seeds and rarely suckers in the garden, making it a non-invasive option that is approved for sale in Oregon and Washington.

'Blue Chip' is the inaugural cultivar from the new miniature butterfly bush series called LO & BEHOLD, developed through the plant breeding work of Dr. Dennis Werner at NC State University.