Buddleja saligna
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Buddleja saligna

Olive buddleja · Squarestem butterflybush · False Olive · Square-stem Butterfly-bush

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
171
Observations
26

Description

Source: leafsnap

Buddleja saligna, the false olive or bastard olive, is almost endemic to South Africa where it has a wide distribution. It occurs most often in ravines and against outcrops, and is distributed from coastal elevations to the central plateau at elevations of < 2000 m. The species was first described and named by Willdenow in 1809.

Care Guide

💧 Water

The Squarestem Butterflybush grows well in both well-drained and moist soil. It can tolerate short periods of drought. During the first year, especially for plants in containers, water it weekly. Once established, it needs less frequent watering, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

☀️ Light Full sun

Squarestem butterflybush grows in open habitats like sunny meadows and forest edges, where light is plentiful. It does best in Full Sun but can tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to different sunlight conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for Squarestem butterflybush (Buddleja saligna)?

The Squarestem butterflybush (Buddleja saligna) needs specific sunlight conditions to thrive. It requires full sun, which means it should receive above 6 hours of sunlight daily. Alternatively, it can also grow under partial sun, getting about 3-6 hours of sunlight each day. It's crucial to observe how sunlight moves through your garden throughout the day. This observation will help you find spots that offer the ideal mix of light and shade, ensuring that your Squarestem butterflybush remains healthy and happy.

🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Squarestem butterflybush is fairly adaptable to temperature, able to withstand higher heat and wide temperature fluctuations. In hot weather, you should pay attention to watering and provide appropriate shade to avoid sunburn. Its ability to endure low temperatures is relatively poor; while it can tolerate some cold, overly cold conditions can cause frost damage.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

Timing is essential for fertilizing Squarestem butterflybush. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly until early summer. The fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The Squarestem butterflybush is characterized by its unique square stems and fragrant leaves. To promote growth, prune the plant in early spring. This involves removing dead wood and thinning the branches, which helps improve air circulation and increase the plant's resistance to disease. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts and prevent infection.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Buddleja
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
3.05 m to 7.01 m
Mature Spread
2.13 m to 3.96 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Olive Drab
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
Bloom Time
Mid fall, Late fall, Early winter
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid winter, Late winter, Early spring
Native Area
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe

Tags (7)

Common Names (4)

en Olive buddleja
en Squarestem butterflybush
en False Olive
en Square-stem Butterfly-bush