Buddleja davidii ‘Royal Red’ – A Bold, Vibrant Shrub with Deep Red Blooms
Buddleja davidii ‘Royal Red’, commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, is a striking deciduous shrub that brings a burst of rich red colour to any garden. Known for its large, fragrant flower spikes, ‘Royal Red’ blooms profusely from mid-summer to autumn, offering an extended season of vibrant interest. The deep red flowers are set against lush, silvery-green foliage, creating a bold contrast that is sure to catch the eye. This variety is particularly loved for its ability to attract pollinators, particularly butterflies, making it a fantastic choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. With its upright growth habit and dense, bushy form, it serves as both a focal point and a valuable addition to the landscape.
Why Grow Buddleja davidii ‘Royal Red’?
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Bold Red Blooms – The striking deep red flowers of ‘Royal Red’ make a dramatic impact in the garden. The flower spikes are long, dense, and eye-catching, adding an exotic touch to any planting scheme.
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Pollinator-Friendly – As with other Buddleja varieties, ‘Royal Red’ is a magnet for butterflies and bees. Its fragrant blooms provide a vital nectar source, helping to support local wildlife and encouraging a healthy ecosystem.
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Long-Lasting Blooms – Flowering from mid-summer into autumn, ‘Royal Red’ ensures your garden remains colourful when many other plants are winding down for the season. The long-lasting blooms help to extend the visual interest of your garden.
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Low Maintenance – This variety is easy to grow and maintain once established. It’s drought-tolerant and hardy, making it a low-maintenance option that brings vibrant colour and pollinator-friendly blooms without a lot of effort.
Planting & Care Guide
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Position: Buddleja ‘Royal Red’ thrives in full sun, where it will produce the best blooms. While it can tolerate some light shade, its flowering will be reduced in lower light conditions. Plant in a sheltered spot to protect the shrub’s large flower heads from strong winds.
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Soil: This plant is adaptable to a range of well-drained soils, including both alkaline and slightly acidic conditions. It thrives in moist, fertile soil but is also tolerant of drier soils once established. However, for optimal growth and flowering, consistent moisture is beneficial.
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Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to encourage strong growth and abundant flowering. Once established, Buddleja ‘Royal Red’ is drought-tolerant, but it will benefit from a deep watering during periods of heat.
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Maintenance:
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Pruning: Buddleja ‘Royal Red’ benefits from hard pruning in early spring to remove dead wood and shape the shrub. Cut it back to a few inches above ground level to encourage fresh, vigorous growth and ensure plenty of blooms.
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Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to keep the shrub looking tidy and to prolong the blooming period. This will also prevent unwanted self-seeding.
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Dividing: While dividing isn’t necessary, you can rejuvenate older plants by cutting them back severely every few years to maintain their vigour.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Buddleja ‘Royal Red’ pairs beautifully with other summer-blooming perennials and shrubs that complement its vibrant red flowers. For a striking contrast, plant it alongside pale or silvery plants like lavender, lamb’s ear (Stachys), or silverleaf artemisia, which make the deep red blooms pop even more. It also works well in mixed borders with other bold flowering plants, such as Echinacea, Rudbeckia, or Phlox, where the combination of colours adds depth and drama. To create a pollinator-friendly garden, pair it with other nectar-rich plants such as Salvia, Verbena, or Penstemon. For a more relaxed, naturalistic garden, combine it with ornamental grasses like Miscanthus or Panicum for a breezy, soft effect.
Whether planted as a specimen shrub, a vibrant backdrop in a mixed border, or as part of a wildlife garden, Buddleja davidii ‘Royal Red’ is sure to deliver bold colour, fragrance, and essential nectar for pollinators, making it a valuable and eye-catching addition to any garden.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
