Plant Profile: Buddleja Lo & Behold® 'Pink Micro Chip'

Buddleja 'Pink Micro Chip' is a hybrid created from Buddleja 'Lilac Chip' and Buddleja 'Miss Molly' as part of Dr. Dennis Werner's plant breeding program at North Carolina State University. This variety, known as Lo & Behold® 'Pink Micro Chip', is the smallest in its award-winning series of dwarf butterfly bushes.

This perennial features a low, spreading growth habit, making it ideal for ground cover or container gardening. Its foliage is lush and dense, adorned with long, fragrant panicles of orchid pink flowers that bloom earlier than most other Buddleja varieties. Notably, 'Pink Micro Chip' is nearly seedless, blooms continuously, and does not require deadheading.

The plant thrives in average, well-drained soil under full sun conditions. If it does not receive adequate sunlight, it may become weedy and produce fewer flowers. Like all Buddleja, it needs moderate moisture and can experience root rot if the soil remains overly wet. When planted in clay soil, it is advisable to amend the soil with compost and position the plant slightly above ground level to facilitate drainage during heavy rainfall. Once established, it demonstrates drought tolerance but should be watered occasionally, especially during extreme heat or when in containers.

In colder climates, 'Pink Micro Chip' may die back to the ground but will regrow from the crown in the spring. In areas where the above-ground shoots survive winter, pruning back to the ground in late winter, when new leaves emerge at the base, encourages more vigorous spring growth, enhances the plant's shape, and increases flower production.

Due to its low seed production and minimal tendency to sucker, this non-invasive cultivar is approved for sale in Oregon and Washington.