Plant Profile: Buddleja Lo & Behold® 'Blue Chip Jr.' PP #19991

Buddleja 'Blue Chip Jr' is a hybrid developed from Buddleja 'Blue Chip' as part of Dr. Dennis Werner's plant breeding program at North Carolina State University. This variety serves as an alternative to 'Blue Chip,' sharing many of its traits but often regarded as an enhanced version due to its more compact and symmetrical form, consistent deep blue hue, silver-green leaves, earlier blooming period, and sturdier stems. Notably, it is the first to flower among the Lo & Behold series.

'Blue Chip Jr' thrives in average, well-drained soil under full sunlight. If it does not receive adequate sun, it may become weedy and produce fewer flowers. Like all Buddleja, it requires moderate moisture levels and is susceptible to root rot if the soil remains overly wet. When planting in clay soil, it is advisable to enrich the soil with compost and position the base of the plant slightly above ground level. Once established, it demonstrates drought tolerance but should be watered occasionally, especially during extreme heat or when grown in containers.

This variety is winter hardy, though it may die back to the ground in colder climates, regrowing from the crown in the spring. In areas where the above-ground shoots survive winter, cutting the plant back to the ground in late winter, when new leaves emerge at the base, can promote more vigorous spring growth, improve the plant's shape, and increase flower production. While deadheading can encourage further blooms, it is not essential.

The plants produce few seeds and rarely sucker in the garden, making this non-invasive variety approved for sale in Oregon and Washington.